Schoolgirl 'critical' after freak bus accident

A bus driver may have hit the accelerator instead of the brake in a "freakish accident" yesterday that left one schoolgirl fighting for her life and another three with serious injuries.

Police are investigating the accident at Rangitoto College in Mairangi Bay and said last night that early indications from witnesses suggested the driver of the Ritchies bus might have temporarily lost control.

But they will know more today when they interview the driver, who was too upset to talk yesterday.

Rangitoto principal David Hodge said the driver was in shock and unable to speak after the accident.

The teenagers were sitting on a grass verge at the front of the college in the late morning when they were dragged under the wheels of the bus.

Students on the bus, and other pupils and staff at the country's largest school, watched in horror as the vehicle ploughed into the girls, who seconds before had been laughing and eating their lunches.

One witness, who did not want to be named, told the Herald three of the girls were dragged along the ground before the bus stopped.

Mr Hodge said the driver appeared to have lost control in a "freakish" accident.

One of the Year 10 (fourth form) girls was in a critical condition in the Starship children's hospital last night. It is understood she received head and internal injuries that were worse than first thought.

Three were described as being in a stable condition and the fifth pupil was later discharged, said a hospital spokeswoman. Police said three of the girls are 14 and two are 15.

North Shore area commander Inspector Les Paterson said witnesses and the driver would be interviewed today.

"We are trying to reconstruct the accident to see exactly what happened. There seems to be some initial indications that it [the bus] may have temporarily lost control."

It is understood police think the driver may have put his foot on the accelerator instead of the brake.

The accident happened shortly before 11.30am in a bus bay at the front of the college's main entrance on East Coast Rd.

Mr Hodge said the Ritchies coach was taking students to a dance class when it failed to negotiate a "gentle curve", ran on to the pavement and ploughed into the teenagers.

It was not known how fast it was travelling when it hit the girls, but teachers who saw the accident said it was a "reasonable speed".

"Everyone here is very upset. I'm feeling sick to my stomach," Mr Hodge said.

St John team leader Keith Hall said the injuries included head, abdominal and pelvic injuries.

Mr Hodge said the college had offered counselling and support to a large number of students and staff who were on the bus and saw the accident.

Ritchies' North Shore depot manager, Lyn Carter, said the driver would be suspended while the company investigated.