A 68 year old Canterbury man has been charged with Injuring by Unlawful Act following a bus crash on Arthur’s Pass on 31 December 2015.
The bus, carrying a tour party of 31 Chinese tourists, lost control and collided with a car travelling up the Otira Gorge, before overturning and sliding into roadside barriers separating it from a ravine below.
Tasman Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Paul Borrell, said it was miraculous and that Police are thankful that no lives were lost as result of the incident. Police have completed a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash and a person associated with the maintenance of the bus involved is being prosecuted.
Thirteen of the bus passengers suffered serious injuries requiring hospitalisation and surgery, including fractures and internal injuries. The car passengers involved, a visiting Swiss family of three, also sustained moderate to serious injuries.
All injured have since returned to their home countries.
This matter is now before the Courts with the accused man appearing before the Christchurch District Court on Monday 30th May 2016.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre