A child struck by a vehicle in an east Auckland school car park remains in hospital the day after the incident.
The young girl was injured when she was hit by a car at Pigeon Mountain Primary School in Wells Road, Bucklands Beach.
Emergency services were called to the location at about 8.40am on March 23 after being notified of a serious crash involving a vehicle and pedestrian.
The girl was taken to Starship Hospital. She remains hospitalised in a critical condition on Wednesday morning.
Counties Manukau road policing manager inspector Kay Lane says: “Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of a serious crash outside Pigeon Mountain Primary School … on Tuesday morning.
“This was a tragic incident for all involved and we are ensuring we are providing what support we can at this time.
“A 77-year-old man has been forbidden to drive by police following the incident.
“Any further decisions around his eligibility for driving will be for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to make.
“Our investigation remains ongoing at this time and is still in its early phases.”
Counties Manukau Police’s serious crash investigation unit was notified of the incident and examined the scene.
A number of police officers were present at the school when the Times visited the scene on Tuesday morning.
Yellow cordon tape had been placed around a car park at the front of the school.
Members of the police’s serious crash unit were examining a silver Mercedes-Benz sedan parked on the grass adjacent to the car park.
The school posted a message to parents on its Facebook page on the day of the incident.
“This morning an accident took place on the pathway leading into school from Wells Road involving a car and a child,” school board member Mark Eades wrote.
“The child has been transported to hospital and our thoughts are with the family.
“We have reached out to the Ministry of Education’s specialist team who will provide support to our students, staff and community.
“School remains open, and our focus is on supporting our learners and staff.
“Our neighbouring schools have been notified.
“Access to the school via Wells Road is currently blocked as authorities investigate the accident.
“We will endeavour to keep our community updated whilst respecting the wishes and privacy of the family involved.
“Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support.”
Ministry of Education deputy secretary for sector enablement and support Katrina Casey says: “Our traumatic incident team is working with the school, following the injury of a child in the car park …
“Our thoughts are with the child, family, and the school community at this very difficult time for them.
“We will be available for as long as needed.”
