Two RSE workers remain in hospital

Two men remain in hospital after a bus rolled onto its side near Rotorua, and an investigation is underway.

The crash occurred last Sunday morning with 30 Tongan seasonal workers on board.

The passengers, many from the remote island of Foa in Ha’apai, had just landed in Auckland, getting in just after midnight.

Speaking to John Pulu on PMN Tonga, Tongan RSE liaison officer Sefita Hao’uli confirmed that only two workers had been discharged from the hospital.

Although investigations are ongoing into how the accident occurred, Hao’uli said many of the workers were not wearing seatbelts.

In New Zealand, passengers aged 15 and over are legally required to wear seatbelts in vehicles where the restraints are fitted.

A tow truck sets the bus back on four wheels after it rolled carrying 30 seasonal workers. Photo/1News

However, this requirement does not apply to bus passengers, something Hao’uli said had changed in policy, with all RSE workers required to wear seatbelts on buses.

He said many of the workers were asleep during the crash and injuries could have been prevented if seatbelts were worn.

Many workers slept away from the window, which he believed prevented them from slamming against the window when the bus rolled onto its side.

Hao’uli also said it was fortunate that not many cars or bigger vehicles were on the road when the crash occurred.

He said support services had been provided and employers had been lenient when it came to the affected workers returning to work, with one still in Auckland recovering with family.

Tonga’s Prime Minister, Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, visited the two remaining patients in the hospital.

Watch Sefita Hao'uli's full interview here.