Statement From Connectabus

A Taiwanese woman holidaying in Queenstown died of injuries sustained in a collision with a Connectabus coach last night.

The collision took place on the lower section of Fernhill Road, west of the One Mile roundabout, at approximately 9.30 pm. The 50-year-old woman was a pedestrian on the road and the coach was driving down the hill towards Queenstown when the incident happened.

The woman was transferred to Queenstown Lakes Hospital by ambulance but later died of her injuries.

Connectabus Managing Director Ewen McCammon said the company was devastated by the incident and that 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.”

Investigations into the crash are underway with Police and the Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit (CVIU) carrying out inquiries and checking the vehicle.

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.”

The woman was holidaying in Queenstown with her husband, son and daughter as part of a tour group.

Mr McCammon said he would not speculate on any causes or contributing factors until all investigations were complete.

ENDS