Pupils, drivers injured in crash

Thirteen children were injured when a schoolbus and truck collided near Feilding yesterday.

The children were on their way to school when the collision happened on a bridge north of Halcombe about 8.30am.

The bus driver, who suffered moderate injuries, and seven children were taken by ambulance to Palmerston North Hospital.

The truck driver suffered serious head and chest injuries and was flown to Palmerston North Hospital by the Square Trust rescue helicopter. He had been trapped in his cab for 90 minutes.

Earlier, the helicopter flew advanced St John paramedics to the scene.

Senior Sergeant Trevor Thorne, of the commercial vehicle investigation unit, said the other children were treated at the scene by ambulance staff.

They were taken to a nearby hall and Victim Support volunteers were called.

The road was closed yesterday morning while the vehicles were cleared.

- NZPA