The 37-year-old driver, who was the sole occupant of the bus, was assessed at Dunstan Hospital as a precautionary measure, but was not admitted.
The Alexandra man was driving the bus from Poolburn to Alexandra yesterday morning for servicing when he struck the ice, Senior Constable Gordy Pay said. "The bus fish-tailed around the corner as it hit the ice and then went off the road, tipping over on to the driver's side, so it was lucky the driver was wearing his seatbelt, " he said.
A local contractor driving past had assisted the man and taken him into Omakau. From there, he was taken to hospital.
Snr Const Pay said part of Blacks Hill had been gritted that morning. He was investigating the accident but said it served as a timely reminder to be careful while driving on icy roads.
The driver was not travelling at high speed, but was from overseas so perhaps was unfamiliar with Central Otago winter driving conditions, he said.
