Bus crash victim still critical

Students sit stunned and bewildered as helpers assist the injured after yesterday's crash near Ruatoki. Photo / Supplied

An 8-year-old girl remains in a critical but stable condition in Starship Hospital's intensive care unit after this week's Bay of Plenty schoolbus crash.

She is among five children still in hospital after a logging truck crashed into the bus in rural Ruatoki, south of Whakatane, as it was pulling over to drop off pupils on Monday afternoon.

The girl's grandfather, who was driving the bus at the time, has kept vigil by her bedside.

A 16-year-old girl today remained in Tauranga Hospital, while two 12-year-old boys and a 10-year-old girl remained in Whakatane Hospital. All were in a stable and comfortable condition.

The 41-year-old truck driver was discharged from hospital yesterday.

Many of the 35 children hurt in the crash, most of whom attend the nearby Taneatua School, were yet to return to class.

Police earlier this week said it would take up to a month to determine the cause of the crash.

- APNZ