School Bus Collision Shakes Whanganui High School Community

A school bus incident involving Whanganui High School shocked teachers, students, and parents on the afternoon of October 25, 2023. At approximately 15:10, a bus operated by Brunswick collided with two cars near the school’s bus bay, causing the vehicle to roll up a grass embankment.

According to Whanganui High School principal Martin McAllen, the collision occurred as students were finishing their day and preparing to head home. “This afternoon we had a bus incident outside our bus bay at 3.10pm as students were finishing school for the day and heading home,” he shared on the school’s official Facebook page.

Witnesses reported that the bus pulled out of the bus bay and struck a car traveling along Purnell Street. The impact sent the bus sliding up the embankment, leading to a scene that left many in the vicinity stunned. “The whole situation unfolded so quickly. One moment we were watching students leave, and the next, there was a loud crash,” said a local resident who witnessed the event.

Emergency services arrived promptly at the scene to assess the situation. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported among the students or the drivers involved in the accident. However, the incident raised safety concerns regarding the busy area adjacent to the school.

Following the incident, principal McAllen emphasized the need for heightened awareness among drivers and more stringent safety measures around school zones. “Safety is our top priority, and we will work closely with local authorities to ensure that our students are protected during peak hours,” he stated.

The Whanganui High School community is now grappling with the aftermath of the collision. While students returned to class the following day, discussions about improving safety protocols have begun among school officials, parents, and local traffic authorities.

As investigations continue, the school encourages parents to remain vigilant and discuss road safety with their children. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the potential dangers present in school zones and the importance of adhering to traffic regulations.

Authorities will review the circumstances surrounding the collision to determine any necessary actions to prevent similar incidents in the future. Community members are hopeful that the discussions will lead to improvements that enhance safety for all students at Whanganui High School.