A male Connectabus passenger and the driver of a light-coloured four-door car are being sought as witnesses by Queenstown police after a Taiwanese woman was hit by the bus and killed on Tuesday night.
The tourist, who died at Lakes District Hospital following the incident on Fernhill Rd about 9.30pm on Tuesday, was identified yesterday as Hsiu-Yuch Lee (48), of Taiwan.
Mrs Lee arrived in Queenstown earlier on Tuesday, having landed in New Zealand the day before as part of an organised tour group.
She was travelling with her husband and two adult children, who were with her when the crash occurred.
The male driver of the bus was being counselled and would stay off work on full pay until reassessment on Tuesday, Connectabus managing director Ewen McCammon said yesterday.
The "experienced and well-respected" driver, who lived in Queenstown, had been with Connectabus for eight months, Mr McCammon said.
"He's a very good driver and we appreciate having him with our company."
Sergeant Brian Cameron, of Queenstown, said in a statement officers had completed their initial scene and vehicle examinations and were now concentrating on speaking to witnesses to the crash.
"In particular, police want to speak to a male passenger that had been on the Connectabus, having been picked up from Fernhill Rd, near the Aspen Hotel, about 9:20pm.
"This passenger is believed to be a regular user of the service and normally alights at the bus stop near Marina Dr, at Frankton."
Sgt Cameron said police were also seeking the driver of a light-coloured four-door car, similar in shape to a Toyota Corolla, which had been travelling up Fernhill Rd in front of a Queenstown Taxi van about the time the bus was travelling down Fernhill Rd, near the Heritage Hotel.
Police believed the car may have turned into Sainsbury Rd.
Sgt Cameron said the inquiry was still in its early stages and a decision as to whether any charges would be considered was "some time off".
"We are conscious that this is a time of terrible stress and grief for all those involved; however, as in any investigation, police must make certain of all the facts before any determination as to cause is made."
The witnesses and anyone who believed they may have information regarding the crash were asked to contact Queenstown police on (03) 441-1600.
