Tragedy strikes Keven Mealamu's family

Kevin Mealamu's niece was crushed to death at a family touch tournament. Photo / Getty Images

All Black Kevin Mealamu was grieving last night after his 6-year-old niece was crushed to death at a family touch tournament.

Mealamu's nephew, aged 3, was also injured in the incident, which happened on the grounds of Tamaki College in Glen Innes, Auckland about 2.30pm yesterday.

Dozens of people were present when sporting equipment, including what appeared to be goalposts, collapsed.

A St John Ambulance spokesman said the girl was dead when they arrived at the scene. The injured boy was taken away by ambulance.

A large number of family members and friends had gathered last night at the home of Luka Mealamu in Mangere but were too upset to talk.

Police said family members were "understandably distraught by the tragic circumstances".

All Black coach Graham Henry sent a message of support to Mealamu from the team, who were due to play France this morning. "I want to say is Keven is a very special guy in the All Blacks and we miss him terribly over here.

"I would like to pass on our support to Keven and the extended family and in this particular circumstance from all the guys in the All Blacks and the All Black team."

School officials and board of trustees members held a series of lengthy meetings at the college. While they met, occupational health and safety inspectors from the Department of Labour could be seen moving around the grounds.

Principal Soana Pamaka said the welfare of the family was the school's greatest concern.

"Tamaki College board of trustees, staff, students and the wider community wish to express their deepest sympathy to family and extended whanau

"An external group had hired school facilities and while they were there an accident occurred on the school grounds. Police are carrying out an investigation into this accident and the school will also carry out its own investigation."

Board member Vaiaere Vaevae was deeply affected by news of the accident. "You feel for the family. It is a tragedy. I feel really sorry for the family."

Patrick Drumm, principal at Aorere College, where Luke Mealamu works as a social worker, said he was "majorly concerned" for the family. "I haven't been able to make contact with the family but we are really concerned about it. It sounds horrendous," he said.

"Luke and Keven are former students of Aorere and they are part of a longstanding family at the college. We will offer all the support we can, but obviously it is going to be a tough few days."