Westlake crash sent students flying through the air, claims witness

  • Updated
  • 20/09/2017

A witness to Wednesday morning's horror crash outside Westlake Girls' High School that hospitalised several students claimed that it appeared the vehicle was "going well over the speed limit".

Five students from Westlake Girls' and nearby Westlake Boys' High School were hit by the Nissan Skyline, leaving one in critical condition and another with serious injuries.

Two had moderate injuries and one had minor injuries. At least two of the injured were aged under 15.

A witness to the incident, who opted to stay anonymous, told Newshub the driver was in shock afterwards.

He said the car mounted the kerb, before ploughing into the group of students standing at a bus stop outside WGHS.

A Year 9 Westlake Girls student was sent flying about 10 metres, while two other older students - one boy and one girl - were flipped upside down.

He said the driver appeared to be a male in his early 20s, and looked in disbelief at the commotion he had caused.

The witness, who was the first to notify emergency services, added that many onlookers were "screaming and crying", and clearly "really distraught" at what they had seen.

The Fire Service said it was called to a rescue at 8:29am and sent two crews. A St John spokesperson told Newshub that four ambulances had attended the incident.

The critically injured student has been taken to Auckland Hospital and the serious injured to Starship.

Auckland Transport said the intersection at Wairau Rd in Forrest Hill was closed due to the crash.

"The parents of all the injured students have been contacted," said a Westlake Girls' High School spokesperson. "Our guidance department is providing counselling to other Westlake students who witnessed the accident.

"Police are currently investigating the cause of the accident, but at this stage, we have no further information."

Westlake Boys' High School has also sent out a statement, confirming one of its students was involved.

"Our young man is recovering in Auckland Hospital. He sustained a leg injury in the accident and is recovering."

The school says several students saw the incident and emotional support will be given to anyone who needs it.

At least two of the wounded are under 15.
At least two of the wounded are under 15. Photo credit: Newshub

Newshub.