An investigation is continuing into the cause of the crash between a bus and a car on SH5 at Ohaaki yesterday.
The crash occurred at approximately 4.50pm and early assessment indicated the car had crossed the centreline and collided with the bus travelling in the opposite direction, police said today.
The reason the vehicle crossed the centreline is still to be established.
Police have confirmed the male driver of the car who died at the scene, was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
No further details about the man will be released until police are satisfied next have kin have been informed and formal identification has taken place.
The two people who were injured, and previously reported as being from the car, were in fact the male bus driver and the female attendant from the bus.
They were not seriously hurt.
There are no reported injuries in relation to the passengers from the bus.
Police collated the details of all of the 64 passengers on the bus before they left the area, but are encouraging any passengers who have any specific witness information to make contact with Taupo police on (07) 378 6060.
Earlier:
One man is dead after the car he was driving crashed into a bus carrying 66 people. The crash happened around 4.50pm on State Highway 5 near Ohaaki Rd, Reporoa, yesterday.
A police spokeswoman said two other occupants in the car were also taken to hospital but she could not confirm their injuries.
The double decker Mana Bus driver and his female attendant were taken to hospital with minor injuries. None of the 64 passengers required hospital treatment.
The crash location and diversions. Photo / Supplied
Mana Bus acting chief executive Sheryll Otway said they contacted every passenger on board and arranged alternative transport as quickly as they could. The bus was on the Wellington to Auckland route, but the driver had only driven a portion of the way.
"We're communicating with every single passenger and contacting their families to reassure them," she said last night. "We'll also be conducting our own investigation and that is already under way. Any transport company would do that."
A nursing student on her way home from placement in Taupo was one of the first on the scene.
Camberley Morton said she pulled over and ran out to help passengers.
Miss Morton said she saw a car "smushed" into the front of the bus.
"I got out and did what I could, there were a lot of people on the bus. There was petrol leaking and people had to get off the bus. They all seemed okay, a bit shaken up but nothing serious."
She said the bus was Rotorua-bound and it appeared the car was heading south.
Diversions were put in place while emergency services were at the scene.
