A 68-year-old man has been charged after a busload of tourists crashed in Arthur's Pass last year.
The bus, carrying 31 Chinese tourists, lost control and collided with a car travelling up the Otira Gorge around 11:30am on December 31. It overturned and slid into a roadside barrier, which stopped it from dropping into the ravine below.
Tasman police district crime manger Detective Inspector Paul Borrell called the incident "miraculous", and said police are thankful no lives were lost.
Thirteen of the bus passengers suffered serious injuries requiring hospitalisation and surgery, including fractures and internal injuries. The occupants of the car, a Swiss family of three, also sustained moderate to serious injuries.
Four ambulances and three rescue helicopters were sent to the scene. Witnesses say debris and brake marks could be seen across the road.
Police said after the incident they were investigating a mechanical failure.
All of the injured have since returned to their home countries.
The man is charged with injuring by unlawful act and will appear in the Christchurch District Court on May 30.
Witnesses said they saw heavy brake marks and vehicle parts strewn across the road (Newshub.)
Newshub.
