Ōtūmoetai College student suffers serious injuries after being hit by a light truck in Tauranga

A police car on the scene after a crash in Ngatai Rd, Ōtūmoetai. Photo / Sandra Conchie

An Ōtūmoetai College student was taken to hospital after being hit by a light truck this morning.

Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter said a witness told police the girl, 15, was hit in the face by a mirror on the truck and fell to the ground, unconscious.

Emergency services were called to Ngatai Rd at 8.20am.

A Hato Hone St John Ambulance spokesman said one person was taken to Tauranga Hospital in a serious condition.

Ōtūmoetai College acting principal Dave Cleland said the student was hit shortly after getting off the school bus.

Several students were at the scene when it happened, he said.

A teacher from the school and members of the public arrived shortly after to help.

Cleland said the school’s guidance counsellor would be available to any students who felt they needed support.

The school was waiting to hear from the injured student’s family about her condition.

Senior Sergeant Hunter told the Bay of Plenty Times that initial reports were the student was struck as she crossed the road in front of a parked bus, which he said appeared to obscure her view.

He said the student was unconscious for a time, but had regained consciousness and was walking and talking when police arrived.

Hunter said the student was taken to Tauranga Hospital by ambulance for a check-up and observation in case she had suffered a concussion.

He said it was important to “never cross the road in front of any parked heavy motor vehicle”.

“Always cross from the rear or wait until the vehicle has driven away, as you never know what’s coming the other way.”

Tauranga City Council said the crash happened outside 244 Ngatai Rd. The road has since reopened.