A metal veranda on a converted shipping container tiny home has collapsed at Te Pohue camp ground, injuring several people Photo: RNZ/Dan Jones
A veranda on a portable home has collapsed onto two volunteer firefighters and three locals in the small Hawke's Bay settlement of Te Pohue.
RNZ understands the firefighters were helping a neighbour in a private capacity to erect a portable home at around 9am Thursday when the mechanism lowering the veranda into place broke, causing the structure to fall on them.
Two people have serious injuries and three have moderate injuries. One of the injured has been flown to Hawke's Bay Hospital in Hastings.
A metal veranda on a converted shipping container tiny home has collapsed at Te Pohue camp ground, injuring several people Photo: RNZ/Dan Jones
Several fire crews from nearby districts were called to the scene on Ohurakura Road in Te Pohue, but have since departed.
Fire and Emergency said two of the five are local volunteer firefighters and they are supporting them and their families.
A metal veranda on a converted shipping container tiny home has collapsed at Te Pohue camp ground, injuring several people Photo: RNZ/Dan Jones
They said the group had been assisting to erect a structure on private land.
A local told RNZ they heard sirens and had seen a portable home being delivered earlier on Wednesday.
Backpacker Chantal Rikse was camping nearby when the sirens went off.
"Several cars came and fire department cars, and some ambulances came.. and there was even a helicopter," she said.
Hastings District Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst told RNZ she was devastated to hear about the accident.
"Our hearts go out to those hurt and their families. Te Pohue is a very close-knit community and I know they will all be supporting each other. I do hope those injured recover as quickly as possible," she said.
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