New Zealand crash: Five tourists killed after tour bus crashes on motorway near Rotorua

AP
Tim Baker5 September 2019

Five tourists have been killed after a bus crashed on a motorway in New Zealand.

A coach carrying 27 people rolled over on a motorway on the North Island under rainy skies.

At least five tourists from China died in the tragedy. There are reports the ambassador to New Zealand is heading to the scene of the deaths.

The crash happened just outside Rotorua, a destination popular with visitors for its hot pools and volcanic activity.

Emergency services in New Zealand said the crash happened at around 11.20am local time (12.20 am BST).

Police confirmed five people have died, and that 27 people were on the bus.

Emergency services rushed to the scene
AP

St John’s ambulance service said it sent five helicopters to the scene on the State Highway 5.

The Chinese embassy in New Zealand’s capital Wellington confirmed that Chinese nationals were on the crashed bus.

Passengers were taken to a number of local hospitals
AP

Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that the country's embassy in New Zealand has launched an emergency plan following the crash.

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick told the Rotorua Daily Post: “At the request of the police, Rotorua Lakes Council is providing any welfare assistance needed for passengers who were not injured.

“That could include anything from providing food and translation services to liaising with accommodation providers and enabling them to contact family.

"This is a police-led operation and council staff, under the direction of civil defence staff, are assisting as required."

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