St Kentigern 'distressed' over Sweeney Todd accident

  • 07/04/2016
St Kentigern's Head of College Steve Cole (File)
St Kentigern's Head of College Steve Cole (File)

St Kentigern College's Head of College says the blade that cut the necks of two students and caused them to be hospitalised during their school production was "filed down" and wrapped in "duct tape, foam and silver paper".

Steve Cole says the blade was not deemed dangerous and had been checked and used "innumerable times" in rehearsals leading up to the opening night -- and he also says health and safety checks had been carried out before the razor had been used.

Despite claims of a similar slip-up during a rehearsal, Mr Cole said he had not heard about it and refused to comment -- maintaining last night's accident was "an isolated incident".

The show was due to run until Saturday night, but the remaining shows have now been postponed.

Mr Cole said the drama teachers, who sanctioned the use of the blade and have been "struggling" since the events of last night, will not be punished.

One of the students was in a serious condition, while the other received moderate injuries. Both were taken to Auckland hospital.

Mr Cole says both boys are recovering well, and are "strong and communicating". A senior staff member is currently at their bedside and there are hopes they will be released from hospital "imminently".

The boy who cut his fellow students' necks is "doing okay" in the wake of last night's performance, and is currently being "looked after" by the school's counsellor, according to Mr Cole.

The school said in a statement today both are now in a stable condition and have been talking with their families.

"Our priority is to support the boys and their families, along with the rest of the cast. Plays and performance are a big part of all school life. We are distressed about what happened last night and are conducting a thorough investigation."

WorkSafe is also investigating the incident, which Mr Cole says is "welcomed".

St John Ambulance staff were called to the school's Pakuranga campus around 9pm last night.

New health and safety laws kicked in on Monday, opening up school principals to potential fines of up to $600,000.

SEE MORE: Mythbusting the new health and safety laws

Sweeney Todd is a musical about a barber in Victorian-era London, who murders his customers with razors and makes their remains into pies.

Mr Cole says the show was chosen based on the talents of the current crop of students, who he said wanted to "push their abilities" further.

Newshub.