Boy airlifted after school bus rolls

The bus rolled with 16 children on board. Photo / Taranaki Community Rescue Helicopter

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A boy has been airlifted to hospital after a school bus rolled in South Taranaki this morning.

A group of 16 children were on board when the accident happened on Mangawhero Road at about 8am.

The bus driver was trapped for a time.

The Taranaki Community Rescue Helicopter transported the 10-year-old boy with "undefined lower back injuries" to the Taranaki Base Hospital.

Senior crewman Paul Patterson said the boy is in good shape and was transported "really for assessment and peace of mind".

He said the bus rolled above an 80 foot high bank but came to rest near the side of the road.

"It could have been a lot worse," Mr Patterson said.

Sergeant Mark Oliver said the children from Kaponga Primary School have superficial cuts and bruises.

Mr Oliver said it is not clear how the bus rolled and an investigation into the crash is ongoing.

He said victim support representatives have been sent to the school to help parents and children.

- NZ HERALD STAFF