Bay of Plenty crash: Van rollover injures 10 seasonal workers near Maketū

The van rolled near Maketū in the Bay of Plenty.

Ten Indonesian seasonal workers were in a van that rolled near Maketū in the Bay of Plenty this morning, Immigration New Zealand says.

The agency’s Pacific acting national manager Zoe Wyatt said six of the workers were treated in hospital for moderate to serious injuries, including broken bones.

“Thankfully, there have been no fatalities.”

The group were RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) workers of Eastpack, New Zealand’s largest kiwifruit post-harvest operation.

Wyatt said Immigration NZ’s RSE engagement partner was working closely with the employer to ensure the injured workers received the support and assistance they needed.

Emergency services were called to the crash on Wilson Rd North about 7.40am.

A police spokesman earlier said a van had rolled and there were multiple victims, with injuries ranging from minor to serious.

Maketū fire chief Shane Gourlay said he believed slippery roads from the rain contributed to the van crashing.

“The road was closed for about one and a half hours before it was cleared and has now reopened.”

Hato Hone St John said four ambulances, two operations managers and one rapid response unit attended.

Ten patients were assessed, with eight of those taken to Tauranga Hospital.

Two were in a serious condition, five in moderate condition, and one in minor condition.

“The two remaining patients were assessed and treated at the scene.”

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said two trucks attended and no one was trapped.

NZME has approached Eastpack for comment.