Tour bus rollover injures two visitors

A TOURIST bus has rolled in remote Central Australia — the second similar incident in a week — injuring visitors from Asia.

The crash happened about 3.15pm on Friday on the Mereenie Loop Rd, about 40km north of Kings Canyon Resort, west of Alice Springs.

Police said the driver of the hired mini-bus, which was carrying nine people from Taiwan and Hong Kong, veered to the left, overcorrected, hit the dust and rolled. Two passengers were injured and taken to Kings Canyon Clinic. They were later airlifted to Alice Springs as a precaution to prevent spinal injuries.

The remaining passengers were taken back to Alice Springs yesterday.

NT Police Duty Superintendent Louise Jorgensen said the vehicle suffered extensive damage. ‘‘It is fortunate seatbelts were being worn and there were no further injuries,’’ she said.

She urged drivers to be careful, concentrate, anticipate and drive according to the prevailing conditions.