Key Takeaways
- A 14-year-old girl was hit by a car outside a party in Tauranga and is in a serious condition at Starship Hospital
- The driver of the car has been arrested and police are likely to lay charges once their investigation is complete
- Emergency responders faced aggression from partygoers while trying to help the injured teenager
- The incident occurred outside a large party involving youths, which was described as "out-of-control" by a witness
- The Serious Crash Unit and criminal investigation branch are investigating the incident
Introduction to the Incident
A disturbing incident occurred in Tauranga on Saturday night, where a 14-year-old girl was hit by a car outside a party. The girl is currently in a serious condition at Starship Hospital, and the driver of the car has been arrested. According to Senior Sergeant Roger Schreuder, the incident happened on Kaitemako Rd in Welcome Bay at around 11:30pm. The police have launched an investigation into the incident, and charges are likely to be laid once the inquiry is complete.
The Incident and Emergency Response
The incident occurred outside a large party involving youths, which was described as "out-of-control" by a witness. When emergency responders arrived at the scene, they faced aggression from some of the partygoers. This behavior was deemed "extremely disappointing" by Senior Sergeant Schreuder. Despite the challenging circumstances, the emergency responders were able to provide medical assistance to the injured teenager. Hato Hone St John responded with one ambulance, one rapid response unit, and one manager to the scene. The patient was initially transported to Tauranga Hospital in a critical condition before being taken to Starship in Auckland.
Investigation and Charges
The Serious Crash Unit and the criminal investigation branch attended the scene and are currently investigating the incident. The police have arrested the driver, and charges are likely to be laid once the investigation is complete. The police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to hold those responsible accountable. The incident is a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to exercise caution, especially in areas where pedestrians are present.
Partygoer Behavior and Community Response
The behavior of some of the partygoers, who became aggressive towards emergency responders, has been widely condemned. This behavior is unacceptable and can put the lives of emergency responders and others at risk. The incident highlights the need for partygoers to respect emergency responders and to prioritize the safety and well-being of others. The community is urged to come forward with any information that may assist the police in their investigation.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to exercise caution. The police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to hold those responsible accountable. The community is urged to come forward with any information that may assist the police in their investigation. The incident is also a reminder of the importance of respecting emergency responders and prioritizing the safety and well-being of others. As the investigation continues, the community will be watching closely to see how the incident is handled and what measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.