Three people hospitalised after bus, car collide on South Island’s West Coast

A section of Harihari Highway, SH6, has been closed following a collision involving a bus and a car. Photo / Bevan Conley

Three people have been hospitalised, one with critical injuries, after a bus and car collided on the South Island’s West Coast last night.

Emergency services responded to a two-vehicle crash on Harihari Highway, State Highway 6, reported at 6.10pm.

A target="_blank">police spokesperson said the road had been closed and motorists were asked to avoid the area.

Hato Hone St John said a helicopter, two ambulances, two rapid response units and two operations managers attended the scene.

“Two patients, one in a moderate condition and another in a serious condition were transported to Greymouth Hospital. A third patient in a critical condition was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital.”

SH6 KAKAPOTAHI, WEST COAST - CRASH - 6:30PM
Due to a crash the road is BLOCKED north of Waitaha Rd. Expect DELAYS when travelling through the area and follow directions of emergency services on-site. ^EH pic.twitter.com/hjcpDohbSj

— NZ Transport Agency - Canterbury & West Coast (@nztacwc) January 31, 2025

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman earlier said he understood the crash involved a bus and another vehicle.

“One person is trapped in a vehicle and we’re working to extricate them,” he said.

He said there were reportedly injuries to a “number of people”.

A nearby resident around the corner from the crash told the Herald locals helped stop traffic until emergency services arrived.

They had not seen the crash site, but heard that a bus and car were involved.