Community board chairman Kevin Rowan understood there had been no major concerns around traffic safety in the area, and considered the tragedy a freak accident.
Rowan, who didn't learn about the crash until late last night, said such events were rare in the Taranaki town - and couldn't recall anything like it happening.
Inglewood was a small, tight-knit community, he said, and families would be pulling together to offer help.
The tragedy has drawn an outpouring of love and support from the school community.
"Kia kaha to the family and all others involved, this little girl was always smiling, the happiest most beautiful wee girl, so tragic," wrote one.
Fire crews at the scene of the fatal crash. Photo / Abe Leach
Taranaki Highway Patrol Sergeant Allan Trow said the family were also receiving support from police.
A police spokeswoman today said it was too early to say how the crash happened and the serious crash unit was investigating.
Inglewood Primary School principal Karen Patterson confirmed the crash had happened while Emma was cycling home from the school.
"Our Inglewood Primary and wider school community extend our deepest sympathy to the family and close friends."
The Ministry of Education's traumatic incident team was supporting the staff, students and school community, Patterson said.
