Second crash for bus firm

The bus that crashed into steep bush near Akaroa was operated by the same company involved in another serious bus crash in 2015.

More than 20 people, including several American cruise-ship tourists, were injured when a Travlon Coachlines bus and a car crashed on State Highway 75 near the Hilltop Tavern about 5pm on Wednesday.

One woman is in a critical condition in hospital, while three others are in a serious condition.

Travlon also operated the tourist bus that crashed in the Otira Gorge, near Arthur’s Pass, on December 31, 2015. Thirteen people suffered serious injuries, including multiple broken bones and serious crush injuries. One man had to have his lower right leg amputated.

After Wednesday’s crash, eight people were taken to Christchurch Hospital, including six tourists from the Celebrity Solstice cruise ship, which was berthed in Akaroa at the time. Twenty-six people were treated for minor injuries and returned to the ship about 8pm.

Four tourists were discharged and caught up with the ship in Dunedin on Thursday.

Four patients remained in hospital: the car driver who is in a critical condition; the bus driver, who is in a serious but stable condition; and two tourists, who are in a stable condition. One of the tourists was expected to be discharged from hospital last night.

Travlon Coachlines spokeswoman Claire Bruce said the company was co-operating with police as the latest crash was investigated.

In December 2015, a Travlon bus overturned on SH73 and slid into a roadside barrier after colliding with a car.

A police investigation determined the bus’ brakes failed.

James Henry Coakley, a mechanic contracted by Travlon Coachlines, was charged with injuring by unlawful act ‘‘in circumstances where if death had been caused he would have been guilty of manslaughter’’.

Coakley pleaded not guilty in the Christchurch District Court in July 2016. He is next due to appear in court in July.

Police acting Inspector Paul Reeves said officers were working to determine the cause of Wednesday’s crash.

‘‘We are looking at the bus driver, as well as road conditions, as well as other possibilities,’’ Reeves said.

Work to remove the bus from the slope was under way yesterday. – Fairfax NZ