[7] The accident occurred after 1:00 pm, when the bus was traversing the Brynderwyn Ranges section of State Highway 1, between the towns of Waipu and Kaiwaka.

[6][7] Additionally, a party of 5 members from the Auckland District Māori Council, who had also been travelling on the road, assisted with the initial response.

[6][8] Following the accident, the Queen sent a message of condolence to Prime Minister Keith Holyoake, asking him to "convey [Prince Philip and I's] sympathy to the injured and the next-of-kin of those who lost their lives in the bus.

"[6] A commission of inquiry was held by the Department of Transport in April 1963, which concluded that the accident was caused by brake failure.

Tangihanga were held at Onehunga, which were attended by Prime Minister Keith Holyoake and opposition leader Walter Nash.