School bus involved in crash at Whakamarama
Updated 10.40am
Traffic remains backed up after a crash on State Highway 2 near Barrett Rd, Whakamarama.
The road has now been cleared and the road re-opened.
Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager Senior Sergeant Ian Campion said traffic was backed up as far as Apata at one stage.
"There are significant delays and backlogs. Given the location, there were no suitable diversions. It's created a gridlock for us on State Highway 2."
He said the bus had to be towed and 30 to 40 litres of diesel spilt on the road had to be cleaned up.
Updated 9.20am
A reporter on the scene said two Tauranga builders heading to Waihi when they collided with the Go-bus that had around 20 children from Bethlehem College on board.
The crash occurred as the bus turned out of Barrett Rd onto the highway heading towards Bethlehem.
There were no serious injuries, however a 7-year old girl on the bus sustained a cut on the side of her head and it is understood the bus driver received a cut on his arm.
The two men in the ute were not seriously injured although the driver complained of having a sore back.
An ambulance was at the scene but does not appear that anyone was taken to hospital.
The fire brigade was assisting with traffic control.
Earlier:
A school bus and a ute have collided at a a busy intersection in Whakamarama.
The accident happened just after 8.15am at the intersection of Barretts Rd and State Highway 2.
Tauranga police Senior Sergeant Nigel Ramsden said emergency services were on their way to the accident, which is outside the Whakamarama shops.
Traffic is advised of delays.
No one is believed to be injured.
