Mt Aspiring National Park. File photo.
Photo: AFP
Two people have died after a helicopter crash in Mt Aspiring National Park on Sunday morning.
Detective Sergeant Sarah Waugh said the helicopter was a chartered craft, and the occupants were on a hunting trip.
“The two people who died were the sole occupants of the craft at the time.
Three others from the hunting group were located on the ground and taken to safety.”
Police received reports of the crash at about 9.50am.
Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre said it helped respond to the crash which included getting the three survivors to safety.
“RCCNZ was the initial lead coordinating agency in response to the crash.”
“In coordination, we worked closely with police and aeromedical helicopter providers.”
It later handed responsibility for the response to police who were at the scene.
Police said the deaths had been referred to the Coroner, and the Civil Aviation Authority and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission have been notified.
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