Boy fighting for his life after accident left him hanging unconscious from window

Police outside Taradale Primary School after a 9-year-old-boy was taken to hospital with breathing difficulties. Photo / Paul Taylor

UPDATED:

A 9-year-old boy is fighting for his life after an accident left him hanging unconscious from a window.

A quiet residential road was transformed as police and ambulance staff rushed to Taradale Primary School yesterday.

Emergency services were called to the Napier school just after 1pm. The boy, who was found unconscious, was having trouble breathing when he was rushed to Hawke's Bay Hospital.

He was later flown to Auckland's Starship Hospital in an induced coma and remained in a critical condition last night.

Police said in a statement today that the boy remained in a critical condition.

Police expect to finish their investigation later today.

Police immediately cordoned off the area where the accident happened.

After initial investigations, police announced they were treating the incident as an accident. They would not release specific details of what happened until the investigation was complete.

However, outside the school gate it was believed the boy had jumped out a window while playing. His shirt got caught in the window, leaving him hanging.

Parents were shocked when they were greeted by police at the school gate. Upset children walked out wondering what had happened to their friend and classmate.

One mother admitted she started to fret when she saw the police cars and tape across the entrance.

"It was pretty terrifying ... your mind starts to panic," she said.

"My girls were pretty shaken up."

Other parents described a very "sombre" school pickup.

Taradale Primary School principal Marty Hantz said the school was working closely with police and the Ministry of Education to determine what happened.

The school day continued as usual and parents were sent a letter regarding the incident.

Students were visibly shaken and specialist support was being offered to any pupils who were upset by the incident.

Some parents took to social media to pass on their love to the family. All were hoping for a speedy recovery for the youngster.