At least 15 individuals were injured when a bus transporting Tongan workers rolled over in Broadlands, located between Rotorua and Taupō. The incident occurred at the intersection of Broadlands Road and Allen Road just before 7:30 a.m. on Sunday. According to police, the bus was the sole vehicle involved in this unfortunate crash.
By 10 a.m., emergency services had airlifted 10 of the injured to hospitals, with three sustaining serious injuries and two facing moderate injuries. The remaining five had minor injuries.
Mike Sorensen, the Pacific manager for Immigration New Zealand, confirmed that the bus was carrying 30 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers from the Pacific. They had just arrived in New Zealand earlier that morning and were on their way to Hawke’s Bay to begin their employment with Mr Apple, the orchard operator.
Sorensen noted that 13 of the workers were taken to different hospitals for treatment and some are expected to be discharged later in the day and then transported to Hawke’s Bay. Remarkably, an additional 17 workers who were on the bus continued their journey to Hawke’s Bay immediately following the incident.
Gary Jones, a representative from Mr Apple, stated that 21 workers are now anticipated to arrive in Hawke’s Bay by Sunday night. To support the workers, staff are preparing warm meals for their arrival, and a physiotherapist was on site to provide assistance on Sunday. Jones emphasized the company’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of the workers, stating that further support from health and counseling services would be arranged for the following day.
Sorensen reaffirmed that Immigration New Zealand would continue to offer assistance and support to the individuals involved in the crash. Meanwhile, police reported that the roadway was expected to remain closed for some time as diversions were established at Ohaaki Road and Vaile Road.
This incident marks the second serious crash involving RSE workers within just three months, previously leading to a tragic accident in which three workers lost their lives on State Highway One near Auckland in August.
While this event is a significant concern, the swift response of emergency services and the support being organized for the injured workers highlight the community’s commitment to aiding those affected. Efforts to care for those impacted by the crash underscore a hopeful approach to recovery and assistance.
In summary, while the incident has resulted in injuries and concerns, the focus on immediate support for the injured workers, alongside community efforts to assist them, provides a positive aspect to an otherwise tragic situation.
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