At least a dozen people remain in hospital after a tour bus and two cars collided south of Queenstown yesterday.
One person has died and 20 others were injured in the serious crash north of Kingston, near the Devil's Staircase, which was reported to police at 4.05pm on Thursday.
The crash involved two cars and a bus on State Highway 6, near the intersection of Glen Nevis Station Road.
Police have confirmed a person from one of the cars died at the scene, while two others sustained critical injuries.
Two people trapped in the bus had to be cut out.
Hato Hone St John said a further two people suffered serious injuries, while others were treated for moderate to mild injuries.
In total 20 people were hurt, and 11 ambulances and seven helicopters were needed to help transport the injured to hospital.
The road was expected to remain closed for several hours and drivers were being urged to delay travel, with no immediate detour available.
St John said paramedics and multiple ambulances were at the scene, while Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter also attended.
Three fire brigades responded to the crash, which has been labelled "heavy rescue" on the Fire and Emergency incidents website.
She was at home when the crash happened, but was called in to help at the store when it got busy.
She said she heard a helicopter overhead, and people were worried.
Stuff have reported Fire and Emergency NZ used"cutting gear" to remove people from a vehicle.
- APL with RNZ
