A bus accident involving Tongan workers resulted in at least 15 injuries near Broadlands, located between Rotorua and Taupō. The incident, which occurred at the intersection of Broadlands Road and Allen Road just before 7:30 AM on Sunday, involved only the bus.
By 10 AM, authorities reported that ten individuals had been airlifted to hospitals, with three of them sustaining serious injuries and two experiencing moderate injuries. The remaining five had minor injuries. The bus was carrying 30 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers who had arrived in New Zealand earlier that day, en route to Hawke’s Bay for employment with the company Mr Apple.
Immigration New Zealand’s Pacific manager, Mike Sorensen, confirmed that 13 of the injured workers were transferred to various hospitals, while some are expected to be discharged later in the day. Following the crash, 17 of the workers continued their journey to Hawke’s Bay.
Gary Jones from Mr Apple indicated that 21 workers are still on track to reach their destination on Sunday night. Upon arrival, they will be welcomed by staff who have arranged warm meals. A physiotherapist was present to assist the workers, and additional support services, including health professionals and counselors, are expected to check on them in the following days.
Sorensen added that Immigration New Zealand would offer ongoing assistance to those involved in the incident. While the road remained closed for the investigation, police set up diversions for traffic.
Notably, this unfortunate event marks the second serious accident involving RSE workers in just three months; a previous incident in August resulted in the deaths of three workers in a separate crash on State Highway One south of Auckland.
This situation highlights the need for ongoing support and safety precautions for seasonal workers, as organizations and authorities come together to ensure their welfare during difficult times. While the accident is tragic, the swift action of emergency services and the collaborative effort of employers to care for their workers offers a glimmer of hope for recovery and resilience.
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