Bus Crash Catlins in Southern District, 3:45pm

At approx 3.45pm on 30th December 2008 , the Police Comms centre was advised of a bus crash
on Cannibal Bay /Ahurir Flat Road in the Catlins area.

Emergency Services were responded from Owaka and Balclutha along with 3 helecopters which were later stood down.

It was reported that a bus had rolled into a paddock and multiple occupants were trapped.

Upon arrival of emmergency services it was established that the vehicle involved was a Brooklands Village rest home vehicle which had been travelling in convoy with a second bus.

It appears the driver of the light bus lost control of the vehicle on the gravel road at low speed causing the bus to roll onto its side down a 2 metre bank.

Initially all twelve elderly occupants were trapped in the van before being assisted to safety by members of the public and emergency service personel.

It appears all occupants were wearing seatbelts with the result that no one suffered serious injuries.

All twelve occupants were taken to Balclutha Hospital where they were treated for shock and minor injuries and later discharged.

Inquiries are continuing into the cause of the crash.