Bodies are yet to be pulled out of a car which burst into flames, after crashing into a bus in Southland.

The car collided with a tourist bus on the Te Anau Milford Highway around 5:40 this evening.

Everyone on the bus managed to escape with minor injuries before both vehicles went up in flames.

The fire is now out but police say extensive damage is preventing them from searching for whoever was inside the car.

The Te Anau Milford Highway is now partially open.

Police are asking witnesses to come forward, while a commercial vehicle unit investigates the crash.