Serious crash investigation underway at Ruatoki

The Police investigation will be continuing today into the collision between a logging truck and a school bus near Ruatoki yesterday.

The Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander, Inspector Sandra Venables, says it will be some time before the full details of the crash are known and confirmed, and Police will not speculate on the cause of the crash until that investigation is complete. This could take up to a month.

Inspector Venables says Police staff will be back at the scene of the crash today as they continue with their investigation.

"There is a great deal of work that needs to be done in the coming weeks. Obviously this was a serious incident and we need to ensure that our investigation is thorough and robust – in the same way we would with any other crash."

Inspector Venables says inquiries today will include interviewing children who were on the bus at the time, along with witnesses to the crash. She says that significant testing and forensic work on the vehicles and at the scene is already underway.

She says Police will also continue to focus today on working with the students, whänau and schools who were involved in the crash.

"Unfortunately there are still some children who are still in hospital, some with serious injuries, but at this stage I think we are all grateful that it wasn't so much worse.

"Our thoughts go out to everyone who has been impacted by the crash and they should rest assured that we will ensure that the circumstances of the crash are fully investigated."

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the crash to contact investigators are Whakatane Police Station on 07 308 5255.

There will be no further comment from Police today.

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