A Devastating Turn of Events: landslide at New Zealand Camping Site Leaves Several Missing
A tragic landslide at a camping site near Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, has left several people missing, including a young girl and potentially other children. The incident, described as a 'major incident' by emergency services, occurred around 9:30 am, affecting campervans, cars, tents, and a toilet and shower block.
Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed the presence of a young girl among the missing, and RNZ understands that other children may also be unaccounted for. Sniffer dogs are currently at the scene as emergency services search for anyone trapped at the Beachside Holiday Park, located about 230 kilometers southeast of Auckland.
A local resident, Robyn, who lives near the campground, witnessed emergency staff digging through the mud. She reported that no one had been found yet, and that people were digging for about an hour before pausing. She also noted that ambulances left the scene without anyone inside, while police remained.
Tauranga Mayor Mahe Drysdale described the situation as evolving, stating that they are working through lists of those who are checked in. He emphasized that the ablution block is the biggest area of concern, but that there were also campervans and tents in the area.
A witness, Nix Jaques, was about to walk up the mountain when she heard a loud noise and saw the land coming down onto some structures. She described how the landslide moved vehicles, including a campervan with a family inside, and struck an ablution block where people may have been in the showers.
St John Ambulance declared a major incident, and emergency services, including police, firefighters, and ambulance workers, are on the scene. Fire and Emergency's shift manager, Paul Radden, confirmed that 40 firefighters, including an urban search and rescue team, are responding to the situation.
