Nine out of hospital after tour bus crash

Fifteen people were injured after the MoaTrek bus crashed down a bank and into a stream. Photo:...
Fifteen people were injured after the MoaTrek bus crashed down a bank and into a stream. Photo: NZ Herald
The boss of a tour company whose bus was involved in a crash in Tongariro National Park, injuring 15 British and American tourists, says nine have been discharged from hospital.

The injured tourists, four of whom were seriously hurt, were taken to four North Island hospitals after the bus crashed down a 10-metre bank and into a stream at the intersection of State Highways 47 and 48 on Sunday.

The tourists, aged in their 60s, were travelling with Auckland-based tour company MoaTrek and were on their way to Napier when the crash happened just after 8am.

The company's director, Miles Clark, said in a statement this morning staff were in Taupo and Whanganui, where most of the injured were being treated.

"Nine clients have been discharged so far but six others, including the bus driver, remain in hospital. MoaTrek will make arrangements for those discharged to travel back to Auckland.

"MoaTrek staff will remain on site in Whanganui and Rotorua to continue offering assistance to affected clients."

A staff member at Whanganui Hospital said this morning two patients remained in their care and both were in a stable condition in a ward.

No one from Waikato, Rotorua or Taupo hospitals could be contacted this morning for updates on the other injured passengers, but a Waikato Hospital spokeswoman confirmed last night their two seriously injured patients were stable.

Mr Clark said he had personally spent time with the injured in Taupo yesterday, and would do the same today in Rotorua.

"Myself and the rest of the MoaTrek team will continue today to provide assistance first hand in terms of recovery and support including accommodation and transport."

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