Centre in shock after girl hit by car
Staff member sent to support family of critically ill child, 4
The community at a Glen Innes childcare centre is reeling after the news one of its young pupils was critically injured after being hit by a car. The young girl, 4, was hit by a car outside Bumblebees Childcare Centre on Taniwha St, Glen Innes, early yesterday.
A childcare centre spokesman said the whole community had been shaken by the accident, which happened while the pupil was being dropped off. “Everyone at the centre — children, parents and staff — were distressed and shocked to learn of the incident.
“All of our thoughts are with the child and their family during this difficult time and we are providing as much support as possible.”
He said additional support was given to “all our children, families and staff who have been left shaken by this”.
The spokesman said the girl remained in Starship hospital with family by her side — one of the centre staff had also gone to visit her and give her family support.
The childcare centre was unable to be more specific about what had happened as the matter was still under police investigation.
The spokesman said the Ministry of Education had provided the centre with support. The road, which was closed immediately after the accident, reopened to traffic around 10am.
Wiremu Eketone, a grandfather, witnessed the aftermath of the accident. He said he had been watching YouTube on his computer when he heard screaming and went out to investigate.
“We came out and saw the girl on the ground. She was already hit when we came out.”
“She was lying in front of a brown van at the side of the road.
“She was unconscious for a little while, then she came round. She wasn’t moving but she still had a heartbeat. After a minute or so she came around and started kicking and screaming.”
Eketone said several women were attending to the girl before emergency services arrived. “I hope she is okay.” Eketone and a local parent said Taniwha St is used by drivers as a shortcut.
“This street is so busy. There’s no real pedestrian crossings . . . It’s a bit dangerous,” said Eketone.