Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Tragedy Strikes In Tongariro National Park

Principal wants answers over river tragedy (+photos): (L-R)Teacher Tony McClean, Anthony Mulder, Floyd Fernandes, Natasha Bray, Portia McPhail, Tara Gregory and Huan Hsu. Photos / Supplied

(L-R)Teacher Tony McClean, Anthony Mulder, Floyd Fernandes, Natasha Bray, Portia McPhail, Tara Gregory and Huan Hsu.


The principal of Elim Christian College Murray Burton wants questions answered over the decision to take students down the Mangatepopo River yesterday on a canyoning trip which led to seven deaths.

Six students and one teacher died in what was described as a flash flood on the river in the Tongariro National Park.


However, he said he had no issue with the gear they wore - lifejackets, helmets, wetsuits and polypropylene clothing - or the staff at the centre.

Mr Burton said he was still having a hard time accepting the seven deaths.

"I wouldn't deny the fact that I am angry on why this has happened to the kids and the families. That is a natural reaction, it is not a white hot anger it is just - why us? Why this?

"But I can say without any trite words that my faith overcomes that anger."




2 comments:

Mushroom Shortie said...

Well done on the post HamiltrON!!

mudpies02 said...

If you didn't write that yourself, you should add where you got it from, but nice work anyway :o)