Two bus crashes 100m apart close SH8 near Twizel, Canterbury, 15 in hospital

Fifteen people have been taken to hospitals across the South Island after separate crashes involving two buses carrying Chinese tourists.

The accidents happened about 8.40am in icy conditions, and 100m apart on State Highway 8 near Twizel.

A photo from a passing motorist shows a bus flipped onto its side, straddling a grassy ditch.

Hato Hone St John confirmed it responded with three helicopters, nine road vehicles, one PRIME doctor and one rapid response vehicle.

They transported 15 patients to hospital. Two people in serious condition were flown to Dunedin and Timaru Hospital.

Eight other people were in moderate condition, with the remaining five in minor condition. They were all transported to Timaru Hospital by road.

“Multiple patients have been assessed on scene, and we are still in the process of completing assessments,” a spokesperson said.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman told the Herald 30 to 35 firefighters are at the scene, with more on the way.

“There are seven crews in attendance, from Twizel, Lake Tekapo, Ōmarama, Otematata and two from Timaru on the way,” he said.

He said at least 40 firefighters would be working once all crews arrived.

“There’s a lot of black ice down there at the moment – it is treacherous,” he said.

Police said those on board were understood to be international tourists, with the relevant consulate being advised.

The Chinese Consulate General confirmed the buses were carrying Chinese tourists.

“According to the New Zealand police report, on the morning of July 18, two buses carrying Chinese tourists in New Zealand’s South Island slipped off the road,” it said.

A police cordon near the scene of two bus crashes on State Highway 8 between Tekapo and Twizel. Photo / James Allan

“Two Chinese tourists were seriously injured and have been rushed to the local hospital. No fatal injuries occurred in these two accidents.”

Chinese consular staff have “rushed to the hospital to visit those injured”.

“We would like to remind the Chinese citizens who recently come to the South Island of New Zealand that the weather in the South Island is changeable in winter, with rain and fog, slippery roads and sometimes ‘black ice’,” it said.

“Be sure to raise your safety awareness, pay attention to traffic safety, slow down when driving, and keep your seat belt fastened all the times.”

Passengers on board the buses who have not required medical attention have been taken to Twizel.

Foreign tourists are being triaged at the Twizel Events Centre after two buses crashed in icy conditions on SH8 near Tekapo. Photo / James Allan

Passengers from one of the bus crashes near Tekapo are transferred from a coach to the Twizel Events Centre for treatment and triage. Photo / Supplied

McKenzie District Mayor Anne Munro said the Twizel Events Centre has been transformed into a makeshift triage centre to care for any passengers from the crash.

”The situation is still unfolding but it’s been fantastic to watch people step up to the situation, I’m very grateful for that,” she said.

“Our thoughts are with everyone involved, and their friends and families. We are also grateful for the work being done by the emergency services.

“Conditions are poor with ice and freezing fog – people are asked to avoid the area and drive to the conditions to avoid putting undue pressure on the emergency services.”

Mt Cook Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker spoke to media at the scene of the crash, saying police had been communicating with the Chinese Consulate to make sure that people get home.

“With the help of the Mackenzie District Council, they’re doing really, really well. This is an example of where a small community comes together and actually showcases what New Zealand is all about, which is helping people.”

She said Civil Defence had been “absolutely legendary” in assisting the travellers, keeping them warm and fed at the Twizel Event Centre.

The Otematata Volunteer Fire Brigade truck in hoar frost conditions this morning. Photo / Otematata Volunteer Fire Brigade

An ice warning had been in place at the time of the crash. Police said weather conditions were foggy at the time, however, the exact cause of the crashes is still being determined.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has closed SH8 Tekapo and SH80 Lake Pukaki near the intersection with Hayman Rd.

The transport agency said there are no immediate detour routes available, and anyone needing to travel through the area should plan for the road to stay closed for the “remainder of the day”.

SH8 LAKE PUKAKI TO TEKAPO - SERIOUS CRASH - 9AM
The road is now CLOSED between SH8 Tekapo and SH80 Lake Pukaki, due to a serious crash near the intersection with Hayman Rd. Please avoid the area and consider delaying your journey. ^AP pic.twitter.com/3fWGNnS2M0

— NZ Transport Agency - Canterbury & West Coast (@nztacwc) July 17, 2024

The buses were being recovered this afternoon, but it was taking longer than expected due to the logistics of moving them from the position they were in.

NZTA said drivers should allow at least two hours longer for travel times while the road remains closed.

“Westbound travellers should use SH8 east to Timaru, SH1 south to the SH82 junction, and the inland route on SH82 to Kurow/SH83 junction, with westbound to SH8/83 Otematata. Eastbound travellers should use the reverse route.”

The scene on SH8 looking south from Lake Ruataniwha Spillway Bridge, away from Twizel. Photo / NZTA

Twizel community board member Tracy Gunn said the intersection with Hayman Rd has issues regardless of the weather conditions.

”The current conditions with the fog, low visibility and black ice is a recipe for disaster.

”That corner is just notorious for accidents. You’ve got a tourist carpark right there, so often people driving there don’t know the roads.

“Because it’s close to the water the fog and ice on the road is far worse. It’s the perfect storm for accidents”.

Gunn said as a local you know to slow down near the intersection, regardless of the conditions, “but anyone who doesn’t know the road just doesn’t know that”.