Crash driver found in Rotorua by police

A scene from yesterday's crash in Reporoa. Photo / Ben Fraser

The driver of a Nissan Skyline involved in a crash with a van near Reporoa which injured nine tourists has been found by police.

The driver had already left the crash scene when police arrived yesterday evening. He allegedly pulled a U-turn in front of the rental van.

Rotorua police Senior Sergeant Denton Grimes said the driver had made his way to Lakes Primecare, in Rotorua, to receive treatment for a leg injury.

Police were investigating the crash and no charges had been laid at this stage.

The nine overseas tourists, most of whom are Chinese, were treated at Rotorua Hospital last night

St John Taupo operations team manager Graeme Harvey said paramedics assessed the nine patients at the scene for minor to moderate injuries ranging from painful necks to minor abrasions.

Four of the patients were expected to be discharged from the hospital last night while the rest remained overnight.

Rotorua Hospital brought in Mandarin speaking residents to act as interpreters, and were grateful to those volunteers who turned up to help translate for the injured tourists.