The wreckage of the bus that plunged down an embankment last Saturday, killing two passengers, was recovered this morning.
Tonight, survivors of the crash will perform a memorial concert House of Breakthrough Church in Gisborne.
It is now expected that survivors will be flown to Auckland tomorrow (December 29).
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples said the bodies of the two victims, Sione Taumālolo and Talita Moimoi Fifita would be examined by the coroner and returned to Tonga on Saturday.
Police said the recovery of the bus was hampered by the terrain.
The wreckage kept getting caught on rocks as it was hauled 30 metres up the steep slope.
State Highway Two was closed while the wreck was recovered.
Survivors were later able to go through the baggage and personal belongings that were also recovered.
The bus was carrying a brass band from Mailefihi Siuʻilikutapu college in Tonga when it plunged down an embankment on Saturday night.
The band had been touring New Zealand to raise funds for the college’s ’s 70th anniversary.
Police have completed all interviews of the group except the driver.
Police have contacted and spoken to the families of the deceased in Tonga.
Two patients remain in Waikato Hospital, but it is understood that the remaining patients in Gisborne hospital should be ready to fly tomorrow.
One of the injured passengers had a leg amputated.
A Givealittle page has raised more than $30,000 for the families.
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples described the community response to the crash as “massive.”
The main points
- The wreckage of the bus that plunged down an embankment last Saturday, killing two passengers, was recovered this morning.
- Tonight, survivors of the crash will perform a memorial concert House of Breakthrough Church in Gisborne.
- It is now expected that survivors will be flown to Auckland tomorrow (December 29).
- The Ministry for Pacific Peoples said the bodies of the two victims, Sione Taumālolo and Talita Moimoi Fifita, would be returned to Tonga on Saturday.
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