Police investigating a fatal crash near Reporoa yesterday (Friday, 28 November) are now able to confirm that the group in the van were visiting New Zealand on a school camp.
Two teachers and seven students from Noosa Pengari Steiner School in Queensland had been in New Zealand for approximately one week. Yesterday the group had walked the Tongariro Crossing and were making their way back towards Rotorua when the crash happened. They were due to return to Australia on Sunday.
The driver of the van 36-year-old Andre Vogel died at the scene along with 16-year-old passenger Gabriel Runge.
Another 16-year-old student was flown to Waikato Hospital where he remains in a critical condition. The remainder of the group with less severe injuries were taken to Rotorua Hospital.
Those involved in the crash, and their families, are requesting privacy at this time and we would ask that you respect their wishes. Any media enquiries in relation to the school should be directed to Principal Allen Kloeden on 0061 7 5471 0199.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is continuing.
Communications Manager Kim Perks (027 234 8256).