A man who had responsibility for maintaining a bus that crashed, seriously injuring 13 passengers, has been charged.
The tourist bus was travelling to the West Coast when the driver lost control in the Otira Gorge and collided with an oncoming car before hitting a barrier and overturning.
Rescue helicopters at the scene of the crash in the Otira Gorge. Photo: Supplied
The barrier was all that separated the bus from a steep ravine and police say it was miraculous no lives were lost.
The 13 injured Chinese tourists were admitted to hospital and some had to have surgery.
A family of three from Switzerland who were travelling in the car received moderate to serious injuries.
A 68-year-old man will appear in the Christchurch District Court next Monday charged with injuring by an unlawful act.
