Eight people were injured after a bus with school students on board crashed into a tree in southern Auckland this morning.
Police said the crash occurred at around 8.45am on Elliot Street in Pahurehure, Papakura, when a bus hit a tree.
St John said it assessed eight people at the scene, with three taken to Middlemore Hospital.
Two of them were in a serious condition and one was moderate.
“Two other patients self-transported to a local medical centre, in a moderate condition.
“The remaining three patients were assessed and treated at the scene.”
Auckland Transport confirmed the bus involved was operating on the 377 route between Papakura and Park Estate.
Rosehill School told parents the bus was carrying some of its students when the crash occurred.
“Senior leadership went to the site as soon as possible to work alongside emergency services to support students on-site,” the email to parents read.
“We will continue to support whānau during this time. As usual, in times of high emotion, our guidance team will be available to offer counselling and assistance to our students.”
Police said it was carrying out an examination at the scene, and asked the public to avoid the area if possible.
Auckland Transport said it would work closely with emergency services and its contracted bus operator, Ritchies, to “ensure this incident is thoroughly investigated”.
“This will have been a distressing incident for everybody onboard the bus and AT will be reaching out to passengers today to offer our support,” AT director for public transport and active modes Stacey van der Putten said.
