File photo. Photo: Google Maps
- 12 people were reported injured in the crash and nine patients were airlifted to Waikato Hospital.
- Four in a serious condition, three in moderate condition and two in a minor condition.
- The 57-year-old driver has been summonsed to appear in the Tauranga District Court next week on a charge of careless driving causing injury.
Members of a touring Canadian hockey team are recovering from their injuries after a crash on State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupō on Sunday.
RNZ understands the van was carrying a group of Canadian hockey players who had been playing at under-16 and under-18 competitions in Hawke's Bay and were on their way to Tauranga.
Tauranga Hockey Association general manager Megan Cleverley told RNZ they have cancelled their games, and are in shock over what happened.
"It's really sad to hear. Hopefully they are on the road to recovery," she said.
Cleverley said a few of the girls stayed in hospital overnight, but none of the injuries were thought to be life-threatening, according to police.
The team was meant to play in Auckland next, and she was hopeful that some of the players will have recovered in time to carry on with the competition.
Senior sergeant Fane Troy said Taupō police investigating the crash were seeking information from members of the public about events leading up to the crash.
"Police would like to speak to the driver of a vehicle that was overtaken by a White Toyota Hiace van moments before the crash.
"Anybody else who witnessed the crash, or has any dashcam footage of the van, is encouraged to contact police via 105, either over the phone or online. Please reference the file number 250323/1172."
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