Source: Radio New Zealand
Susan Knowles, 71, and Sharon Maccanico, 15, are two of the six people unaccounted for at the Mt Maunganui landslide site. SUPPLIED
Two Auckland teenagers, a Swedish tourist and a Morrinsville teacher are among the people who remain unaccounted for following the landslide at Mt Maunganui.
At a press conference on Saturday, police said some remains of victims had been found overnight and six people were unaccounted following the slip at a popular campground.
Police released the names of those unaccounted for:
- Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, from Morrinsville
- Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20, from Sweden
- Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, from Rotorua
- Susan Doreen Knowles, 71, from Ngongotaha
- Sharon Maccanico, 15, from Auckland
- Max Furse-Kee, 15, from Auckland
In a Facebook post Morrinsville Intermediate School identified victim Lisa Anne Maclennan as one of their staff members.
“It is with great sadness that we need to inform you that one of our staff members, Lisa Maclennan (our amazing Literacy Centre tutor), is one of the people trapped in the landslide at Mount Maunganui.”
“Our love and aroha go out to Lisa’s family; we ask that you respect their privacy at this very difficult time.”
Pakuranga College also identified both Max Furse-Kee and Sharon Maccanico were students at the school.
15-year-old Sharon Maccanico Avellino Today
“Many members of the college have been deeply impacted by the news and we are working to support students and staff in the coming days and weeks.” the school said in a Facebook post.
“The wellbeing of our college community is paramount as the school year starts next week under incredibly sad circumstances.
“Parents have received an email this afternoon with advice and information for supporting their child/ren as they process this distressing event.”
Italian media reported that Sharon, was originally from a small town called Picarelli in the municipality of Avellino.
Avellino Today said the community had gathered in the town’s local church as they waited for news.
The names are only of those unaccounted for and not those who had been found as the Coroner said identifying remains of victims would be a lengthy process.
Family pay respects at the Mt Maunganui landslide cordon. CHARLOTTE COOK / RNZ
Search progresses in challenging terrain
Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said the operation was formally handed over to police by Fire and Emergency New Zealand at 11.20am on Saturday.
“Search teams have been working through the slip layer by layer, but tragically it is now apparent that we will not be able to bring them home alive.”
An orange wrap has been placed around the inner cordon preventing those residents allowed inside the main cordon from seeing through to the scene. RNZ / Kate Green
He said they had informed the families of the news on Saturday morning.
Anderson said emergency services were in the early stages of investigating remains of victims and would not be releasing any information on what has been found or who they believe it could be.
“This afternoon, search teams, supported by contractors and machinery, are continuing to work through the debris, towards the amenities block.
“From what we have seen, the building suffered catastrophic damage and we are confronted with the reality that it is highly unlikely anyone would have been able to survive.
Road closed in Mt Maunganui as a massive search and rescue operation continues following a landslide. RNZ / Calvin Samuel
“The material that slipped from the mountain is sodden. It’s heavy and hit with massive force. The impact, movement and weight means this is an incredibly challenging scene to work through, and those involved are doing their jobs admirably and respectfully.
“This is heartbreaking news for the families and the dozens of people who have been working day and night, hoping for a positive outcome.
Coronial process
Responsibility for identifying the victims, along with other legal processes, was now passed to the Coroners Court and an internationally approved process for disaster victim identification (DVI) is being followed.
Chief Coroner Judge Anna Tutton reassured families and friends of victims that those who had died in the tragedy would treated with dignity but said the identification process could be “painstaking” and “complex” especially when people are severely injured
“Victims will be transported to the Hamilton mortuary, where any post mortem examinations required will be performed, and, with the assistance of Police and other specialists, coroners will determine the identity of the victims.
“I can’t say how long the identification process will take – but I give my absolute assurance that we will work very carefully – and as quickly as we can – to reunite families.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
