Student’s body found in cave after New Zealand hit by floods
Published:Tuesday | May 9, 2023 | 9:28 PM
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand police said they have found the body of a high school student in a cave after a school group got into trouble when floodwaters hit.
A group of 15 students and two adults had set out Tuesday morning on a trip to the Abbey Caves in Whangārei as part of an outdoor education class, authorities said.
The others made it out safely.
The death has raised questions about why school officials chose to go ahead with the trip even after forecasters had warned that heavy rain was approaching.
The district council website cautions people to “check the weather forecast as caves can be prone to flash flooding.”
The site says the cave system features dramatic limestone outcrops, sink holes and three significant caves.
“We acknowledge this event has been very distressing for the school and wider community, and that there are a number of questions the public will have,” Police Superintendent Tony Hill said in a statement.
“At the moment, the police's focus is on supporting those affected.”
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