Thirteen people have been injured – two seriously – following a crash involving a car and a van in southern Taranaki this morning.
Police said the two-vehicle crash occurred on Hastings Rd in Matapu at around 9.55am.
The van was from Te Kura o Nga Ruahine Rangi, a te reo Māori immersion school based in Eltham Rd.
In a statement, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Ruahinerangi chairperson Renee Wright this afternoon said 11 students and one teacher from the kura were injured in the collision.
“The details of the accident and extent of injuries sustained are yet to be fully determined. Our immediate thoughts are with our tamariki and wider whānau members,” Wright said.
“Karakia have been conducted at the kura and at the site to ensure the spiritual wellbeing of all involved.
“We will fully cooperate with the police accident investigation team to help us get a clear understanding of the events that led to this accident.
“Our whānau are extremely grateful for the outpouring of aroha and support from all corners of Taranaki.”
Fire and Emergency NZ also responded with crews from Eltham, Kaponga, and Okaiawa attending the scene.
Hastings Rd was likely to be closed between Skeet and Eltham roads for some time while the serious crash unit conducted a scene examination, they added.
St John said four ambulances, four helicopters, two operations managers and one rapid response unit responded to the crash.
Thirteen patients were taken to hospital, a St John spokesperson said.
“Two patients, both in serious conditions, were airlifted to Waikato Hospital; two patients, both in moderate conditions, were airlifted to Whanganui Base Hospital; nine patients, all in moderate to minor conditions, were transported by ambulance to both Hāwera Hospital and Taranaki Base Hospital.”
The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, the Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter and the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter all attended.
