The driver of a van which collided with a group of cyclists in Waikato this afternoon has told of his shock at the scene of the crash.
The man, who did not want to give his name, said after the collision at the intersection of Lake and Dawson Rds at 4.25pm that he got out of his van to check on the seven teenage girls and women who were cycling.
"I helped them getting up and untangled them and got their bicycles out of the way,'' he said.
Three of the young women suffered serious injuries and were flown by Westpac Waikato Rescue Helicopter to Waikato Hospital.
Another three suffered moderate injuries and were taken by ambulance to hospital.
The wife of the driver said the couple were deeply concerned for the wellbeing of the injured cyclists and their families.
"We hope that the injured people, that they don't get injured too badly and we wish for their safe recovery,'' the woman said.
She was at the scene to support her husband who had been travelling home to Hamilton from work.
"He's in shock at the moment. Two and a half years we have travelled these roads...'', she said.
Waikato Sergeant John Staplesford said the cyclists and the van collided at an intersection near Taupiri.
He said the young women suffered head injuries and injuries to their limbs.
It was too early to say whether charges would be laid.
- By Natalie Akoorie of the New Zealand Herald
