At least 15 individuals have been injured following a bus accident involving Tongan workers near Broadlands, situated between Rotorua and Taupō. The incident took place at the intersection of Broadlands Road and Allen Road just before 7:30 AM on Sunday. According to police reports, the bus, which was the only vehicle involved in the crash, had been carrying 30 seasonal workers participating in New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) programme.
By 10 AM, authorities confirmed that 10 of the injured had been airlifted to various hospitals for treatment. Among those transported, three sustained serious injuries, two had moderate injuries, and five were treated for minor injuries. Immigration New Zealand’s Pacific manager, Mike Sorensen, stated that the workers had arrived in New Zealand earlier on Sunday and were heading to Hawke’s Bay to commence their employment with Mr. Apple.
Sorensen noted that 13 of the injured workers were taken to hospitals, and some are expected to be discharged the same day, while others continued their journey to Hawke’s Bay after the crash. A spokesperson for Mr. Apple indicated that 21 workers would still arrive in Hawke’s Bay on Sunday night and would be welcomed with a warm meal provided by staff. A physiotherapist was also present to assist the injured.
To ensure the well-being of the workers, additional support from District Health and Pacific Health, along with counselors, will be available to check on them in the days following the incident. Immigration New Zealand reiterated its commitment to provide ongoing assistance to those affected.
The accident site is expected to remain closed for some time, with diversions established at Ohaaki Road and Vaile Road. Notably, this incident marks the second serious accident involving RSE workers within a span of three months, highlighting ongoing concerns about the safety of seasonal labor transport in the region.
It’s reassuring to see that support systems are quickly mobilized for the workers, demonstrating a strong community response. As recovery efforts continue, we hope for the swift healing of those injured and a thorough review of safety measures for transport involving seasonal workers, ensuring such incidents are minimized in the future.
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