7 Apr 2024

Driver keeps control as rock hurtles through Napier bus

2:41 pm on 7 April 2024
No caption

(File photo) Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

The driver of a bus and a nearby passenger had a lucky miss when a rock cannoned through a window and through the interior.

Senior Sergeant Kevin Stewart said it is thought the rock was deliberately thrown at the bus, and the incident is being investigated.

The bus was carrying teenagers and being driven along Napier's Willowbank Avenue just before 2pm on Friday when the projectile came through the front window.

"A rock came through the front window. ...The rock narrowly missed the driver and a passenger in the bus, before falling onto the passenger's lap."

The driver managed to slow the bus and bring it to a stop safely, Stewart said.

"It is very lucky that no one was hurt, as there could have been incredibly serious consequences."

She said while it was possible "there may have been no malicious intent", the incident was being taken seriously.

Police would like to hear from the person who threw it, or anyone who saw what happened. They are asked to call 105 or make contact on the website police.govt.nz, and to use the file number 240406/6764.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs