Van driver in hospital after SH3 crash

The driver of a NZ Post van that collided with a school bus full of students on State Highway 3 near Eltham remains in hospital with serious injuries.

The bus driver and students, who attend New Plymouth’s Francis Douglas Memorial College, were unharmed in the crash, which occurred about 7.30am yesterday.

The driver of the van, a 22-yearold man, was trapped for more than an hour at the scene, south of Ngaere School, as emergency services worked to free him.

A St John Ambulance spokesman said the man was taken to Taranaki Base Hospital in a serious condition.

Francis Douglas Memorial College principal Tim Stuck said about 20-30 boarders were on the charter bus, coming from Ha¯ wera.

Stuck said there were a few that would be ‘‘shaken up’’ and the school’s main goal was supporting them. But he said overall they were doing ‘‘fine’’.

Stuck said the school’s ‘‘thoughts and prayers’’ are with the injured 22-year-old, as well as the bus driver, who would have been rattled by the crash.

In an emailed statement, an NZ Post spokesperson confirmed one of their contractors was involved.

‘‘We understand his family are with him at the hospital. Our sympathies and thoughts go out to everyone involved,’’ the statement said.

‘‘We will be doing what we can to support the contractor during this distressful time.’’

Tranzit senior communications manager Katie Farman said it was ‘‘a huge relief’’ the bus driver and students were uninjured.

‘‘Our passengers were transferred on to another bus and taken to school and our regional manager is visiting with the school to offer support,’’ Farman said. ‘‘Our thoughts go out to everyone involved.’’

Farman said she could not yet comment on the cause of the crash.

At 1pm, a Taranaki District Health Board spokeswoman said the man was in a stable condition and being treated for his injuries.

She said he would be moved into a ward later in the day.

The Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency website said the road was reopened by 11.30am.