Mother of Hannah Francis, 11, killed in bus crash speaks of 'beautiful' child
Monday, 30 July 2018
The parents of an 11-year-old girl who was killed in a horrific bus crash on Saturday say their daughter was 'a kind-hearted, beautiful child who wouldn't hurt a fly'.
Hannah Teresa Francis of Auckland died when a Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bus hurtled down a mountain road and crashed between Mt Ruapehu and Tūroa on Saturday, injuring 20 others.
Hannah's parents, Michelle Bruton and Matt Francis, released a statement on Monday, which said they were still trying to come to terms with the devastating loss of their beautiful daughter.
'She was the light of our lives and will be missed by all that knew her.
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'Hannah was an empathetic, kind-hearted, beautiful child who wouldn't hurt a fly.
'She was loved by everyone she met and left a lasting impression. Her sister Charlotte and step-brothers Josh and Caleb all loved her dearly and will be lost without her.
'She was a talented girl with a gift for writing and drawing. She loved animals, especially her cats, and she would do anything to help you.'
Bruton and Francis said their hearts were broken and would never be the same.
They have asked for privacy.
'Fly free our beautiful angel. May you rest in peace.'
The bus was carrying 31 passengers when it overturned on Ōhakune Mountain Rd, a 17-kilometre road between Mt Ruapehu and Tūroa, on Saturday afternoon.
Passengers said they prepared for the worst when the bus' brakes failed and the vehicle gathered speed. The driver of the bus later confirmed he was unable to stop the bus.
Some passengers were thrown on the road, with four suffering moderate or serious injuries.
On Monday night police urged any passengers in the crash or witnesses who have not yet spoken to police to do so.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Team, CIB and Serious Crash Unit continue to investigate.