Schoolgirl's arm impaled on hook in freak accident

A schoolgirl who was impaled on a hook on her way to class is still recuperating at home a week after the bizarre accident.

The Kerikeri High School Year 7 girl fell over on muddy, leaf-covered grass near the school auditorium, and a blunt metal hook pierced her bicep as she reached out to a veranda post to steady herself.

The Fire Service had to saw through the hook before she could be taken to Whangarei Hospital for surgery to remove it.

A rope had been attached to the hook at thigh-height to cordon off the wet grass.

Co-principal Elizabeth Forgie said a group of teachers rushed to the girl's aid, holding her up so the hook would not be driven deeper.

Mrs Forgie said the girl must have fallen on the hook with considerable force, because the end of the hook was blunt and as thick as a little finger.

The accident happened about 8.45am on Wednesday last week as students walked to their first class.

"It was an awful thing. It was one of those absolute freak accidents," Mrs Forgie said.

The girl waited in pain - and in full view of fellow students - for firefighters to arrive.

Kerikeri fire station officer Scott Riley said it took 10 minutes to cut through the hook with a hacksaw.

He poured water from a drink bottle on to the hook, which was embedded about 10mm into the girl's arm, to stop the metal heating up as it was being cut.

A hacksaw had to be used because the girl's arm was so close to the post.

She spent two days in hospital before being discharged with her arm in a sling.

The Department of Labour has not yet spoken to Kerikeri High School about the accident.