Teenage girl seriously injured after being hit by car outside Tauranga party, driver arrested

A 14-year-old girl is seriously injured in Starship Hospital after being hit by a car outside an “out-of-control” party in Tauranga.

Police are investigating the incident on Kaitemako Road in Welcome Bay last night.

“Emergency services were called to the scene at around 11.30pm where the victim, a 14-year-old female, was located before being transported to Starship Hospital,” District Deployment Coordinator Senior Sergeant Roger Schreuder said.

“She remains in a serious condition.”

Hato Hone St John said it was notified of a motor vehicle accident in Welcome Bay at 11.29pm and responded with one ambulance, one rapid response unit, and one manager to the scene.

“Our crews assessed and treated one patient who was transported to Tauranga Hospital in a critical condition.”

Senior Sergeant Schreuder said police have arrested the driver.

“Enquiries continue and once concluded charges are likely,” he said.

“The incident occurred outside of an address where there was a large party involving youths. Some of these became aggressive to police and ambulance staff who were trying to assist the injured teenager.

“This was extremely disappointing behaviour.”

Police at the scene of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian in Welcome Bay on Saturday, January 10. Photo / Cameron Avery

The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene as well as CIB.

An eyewitness described the party as “large and out-of-control”.

They told SunLive there were “multiple fights breaking out” while police tried to contain the scene, with partygoers spread across nearby roads.