12:40 PM UPDATE
Two New Zealanders injured when a tourist bus plunged down an embankment in Tasmania early this morning have been discharged from hospital.
Four people were killed and 14 injured in the crash which happened around 1.00 am New Zealand time.
The Maxwell's coach was also carrying tourists from the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia on an overnight tour of the Cradle Mountain National Park.
Details of the deceased have not yet been released.
Inspector Matthew Richman says one of the injured passengers is in a critical condition, while two others are listed as serious.
He says the bus dropped about 33m, and patients had to be carried back up to the road before being airlifted or driven to hospital in Burnie.
Inspector Richman says the bus crashed into a tree at the bottom of the embankment around after stopping to let another vehicle pass on the Dove Lake Road.
He says the weather was fine, the road was clear, and there was no water on the road.
Tour organisers Cradle Mountain Lodge General Manager Rod Stendrup says the crash has had a terrible impact on the close knit community and lodge staff.
He says the night tours had been an attraction to park visitors for many years.
Mr Stendrup says the accident happened on quite a narrow section of road where it drops away sharply.
He understands the road crumpled under the bus.
- IRN
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