Some worrying news is coming from New Zealand after cruise ship passengers were involved in a road collision on Wednesday.
Cruise guests were involved in a traffic accident while on an excursion in Akaroa, New Zealand. At just after 5 PM, a bus carrying at least 31 people from the Celebrity Solstice collided with an oncoming car while on the twisting mountain roads near Christchurch. The bus fell off the side of the road several meters down into bushes and trees.
Celebrity Cruises Stated:
UPDATE:
Four of the six guests have now been discharged from hospital and the Celebrity Care team is helping with their onward travel. Two other guests remain in hospital in a stable condition.
PREVIOUSLY:
A bus transporting 31 guests from Celebrity Solstice in Akaroa on 22 February 2017 has been involved in a traffic accident with another vehicle. Six guests, all from the USA, sustained injuries and have been transported to the local hospital in Christchurch for treatment, as have the drivers of both vehicles. Celebrity Cruises has dispatched members of its Care Team to offer immediate support and assistance to the guests. All other guests have returned to the ship. Our thoughts are with all those involved and we are praying for their speedy recovery.
There were many injuries with two in a serious condition who were taken to a local Hospital in Christchurch immediately. Celebrity Cruises has said that in total six passengers from the United States were taken to hospital along with drivers of both vehicles. Everyone else involved were taken away on another bus.
Celebrity Solstice which was docked in Akaroa was scheduled to depart the port at around 7 PM but was delayed due to the incident. The ship is currently sailing a 13-day itinerary which is scheduled to arrive back in Sydney, Australia on March 1. Celebrity Solstice is 122,000 gross tons and can carry over 2,800 passengers at double occupancy.