Vigil for Kenyan crash victims

Grief-stricken Bethlehem College pupils met to mourn this morning ahead of funeral services for three people killed in a mini-van crash in Kenya.

Pupils at the Bay of Plenty college have re-united with several schoolmates who returned home following the crash that killed 19-year-old former pupil Caitlin Dickson and Brian and Grace Johnston during a missions trip last week.

Eight survivors addressed a gathering in the college hall and shared their experiences in Kenya, before embracing friends as 16-year-old pupil Georgia Lines sang a worship song.

Principal Eoin Crosbie said 10 survivors had returned home, with six still to come.

Mr Crosbie told the gathering how the tragedy had brought grief for those lost, but relief for those re-united with loved ones.

"It's all in the mix ... It's all there for all of us to have to deal with."

Some survivors are due to speak to media about the ordeal at a press conference later today.

A handful of members of mission were still in hospital in Nairobi yesterday, including Aneka Jones, who suffered a fractured pelvis and dislocated hip in the crash and may not be able to travel home for some time.

Donations made to a Kenya families account set up by the college yesterday stood at $20,000, and a further $8000 had been donated to assist the Johnston family.

Account details could be found on the college website.