Queenstown police are appealing for witnesses after a Taiwanese mother of two adult children was hit and killed by a bus in Fernhill Rd, Queenstown, on Tuesday night.
A Queenstown-based public transport coach, operated by Connectabus, was being driven down the hill, between the One Mile Delta roundabout and Sainsbury Rd, when the accident happened about 9.30pm.
The 48-year-old woman suffered critical head injuries and was taken to Lakes District Hospital by a St John Wakatipu ambulance, but she died about 11pm.
Police yesterday declined to answer any questions related to the accident, including the age or gender of the bus driver.
Acting Senior Sergeant Brian Cameron, of Queenstown, said in a statement the investigation was at an early stage.
"Police were not in a position to comment as to the cause of the crash or whether any charges are being considered."
A police serious-crash specialist examined the scene and the bus yesterday.
The Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit from Dunedin was also investigating the incident.
Acting Snr Sgt Cameron said the dead woman's name would be released once extended family in Taiwan had been notified.
The woman had been visiting Queenstown with her husband and two adult children, having travelled from Christchurch earlier in the day as part of a tour group.
Connectabus managing director Ewen McCammon said in a statement the company was devastated by the incident and the coach driver was shocked and upset.
"This is something you just dread.
"All of us are terribly sorry for the family and this awful outcome of their holiday."
Mr McCammon said the two-year-old Man Euro 3 coach was on a regular route and had recently passed its certificate of fitness.
"We are now working with the investigating authorities to establish exactly what happened and, as far as possible, why it happened.
"Our thoughts are with the family as they come to terms with this tragedy."
Anyone who has information about the crash should contact Queenstown police on (03) 441-1600.
