Southland tourist bus tipped on side

A bus carrying 17 passengers was tipped on its side after being hit by a car at an intersection in the Southland town of Mossburn.

Police said the bus passengers were uninjured but a 16-year-old passenger from the car had serious injuries. He was flown to Southland Hospital by helicopter.

The car had gone through a give way sign about 8.35am and hit the bus at the rear, causing the bus to be flipped onto the right side wheels and shunted off the road, police said.

Investigations indicated speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.

The 21-year-old male driver of the car and a 17-year-old male passenger had moderate injuries and were taken to hospital by ambulance.

The passengers on the AwesomeNZ bus, who were travelling from Queenstown to Te Anau, had continued their journey in another bus.

- © Fairfax NZ News