Bus driver injured in strong wind

Paul Anderson
Paul Anderson
An NZSki bus driver who was caught by strong winds and thrown under his bus on Saturday afternoon is in a stable condition in Southland Hospital.

NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson said the man, one of the company's most experienced bus drivers, had stopped on the way down the Remarkables access road on Saturday afternoon to remove the chains from the bus, which had a full load of passengers.

Mr Anderson said the man opened the bus door and the wind caught it, pulling him out and throwing him under the vehicle.

Another staff member on the bus helped stabilise the man, understood to be in his 50s, until an ambulance arrived, and another bus driver was dropped off to return passengers to Queenstown.

St John Queenstown station manager Keith Raymond said the man sustained ''moderate to serious chest and arm injuries'' and was later transported to Southland Hospital.

Mr Anderson said he was expected to make a full recovery.

''It underlines the hazards we have got on the mountains ... it's a hazard we're dealing with every day.

''From NZSki's perspective, our thoughts are with his family.''

 

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