News
- SH6 crash involves bus and two cars, leaving one dead and several injured.
- Emergency services confirm multiple injuries; road closure expected to last overnight.
- Motorists warned of significant delays, with detour adding 2.5 hours to travel time.
UPDATE 2am: SH6 is now OPEN between Kingston township and Wye Creek. Please take extra care along this route.
A major crash on State Highway 6 between Queenstown and Kingston has left one person dead and several others injured. The incident, involving a bus and two cars, occurred near Glen Nevis Station Road son the devils staircase hortly after 4pm.
Police confirmed that a person from one of the cars died at the scene. At least two individuals are reported to have critical injuries, St John says it has treated 20 people after a crash that's killed one and critically injured others near the Devil's Staircase this afternoon.
The crash involved a bus and two cars on State Highway 6 between Queenstown and Kingston.
Police said a person from one of the cars died at the scene and at least two others were reported to have critical injuries.
At least two people from the bus were reported to have serious injuries and a number of other people have moderate injuries, police said.
The crash was reported shortly after 4pm near the intersection with Glen Nevis Station Road at Kingston.
FENZ crews have responded from Kingston, Frankton, Queenstown and Dunedin.
State Highway 6 north of Kingston is closed and is expected to remain closed for several hours. 20 people have sustained injuries, according to reports. The bus passengers include two with serious injuries and several others with moderate injuries.
Emergency services, including FENZ crews from Kingston, Frankton, Queenstown, and Dunedin, are responding. The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter is en route. Stuff are reporting six helicopters.
State Highway 6 remains closed between Kingston township and Wye Creek, with no immediate detour available. The NZ Transport Agency advised motorists to consider an alternative route that could add up to 2.5 hours to travel time.
Police serious crash investigators are on-site, and the road is expected to stay closed into the evening, possibly overnight, as the bus continues to block the roadway.
Local businesses, such as the Kingston Corner Shop and Cafe, have seen an influx of customers turned back due to the road closure. Owner Madonna Pradeep reported hearing helicopters overhead and noted the concern among affected travellers.
Authorities are urging motorists to delay their travel plans if possible and stay updated as investigations continues.
Reporting by RNZ, whatoninvers.nz and Police Media centre.