Dead man a 'well-respected' farmer

John Alexander Deans

The Ettrick man who died in the collision between a 4WD and bus near Roxburgh, was an "honest man" and "well-respected" farmer.

Police yesterday named John Alexander Deans (78), who was pronounced dead at the scene after the ute he was driving collided with a tourist bus, near Eliott Rd, 10km from Roxburgh, on Wednesday .

Mr Deans and his wife Margaret lived on their farm in Ettrick.

Neighbour Richard Turner said Mr Deans was an "honest man" and a great friend.

"We both lived around Roxburgh our whole lives. We went to school and played rugby together. He was very keen on his rugby."

He was a great father to his three daughters, Mr Turner said.

"This has knocked me right back. It's hard. It's such a shock when things like this happen. I'm still reeling."

Teviot Valley Community Board chairman Raymond Gunn said Mr Deans was a "well respected" farmer.

"It will definitely be a shock for the community. He was a good guy."

The crash site was a safe section of road with double lanes, he said.

The family declined to comment. The bus involved in the crash was travelling from Dunedin to Queenstown with 10 passengers.

Senior Sergeant Ian Kerrisk, of Alexandra, said yesterday one passenger remained in a serious but stable condition in ICU at Dunedin Hospital, while three others were in a stable condition.

Three passengers taken to Dunstan Hospital were discharged yesterday.

The bus company had been working with police and Victim Support to assist those involved and offer support.

All 10 passengers were foreign nationals. Their embassies had been advised and were arranging support,

Sen Sgt Kerrisk said.Police completed a scene examination and spoke to witnesses and had a clear idea of what happened. The investigation continued, although speed and alcohol were not factors.

Police thanked members of the public who were first on the scene and did a "fantastic job in assisting the injured" before emergency services arrived, he said.

Tourism Holdings chief operating officer Jo Allison said the company was focused on the health and safety of the customers from the bus and on supporting them.

One of the vehicles involved was a Bottom Bus, which provides a bus service for Tourism Holdings-owned company Kiwi Experience.

"We've got people on the ground down there that are talking with our customers and their families and we're working with Bottom Bus and the police to find out what really happened."

Anyone who has not yet spoken to police and has information that may be of help is asked to contact Alexandra Police on (03)440-2500 extn 34400.