Rescue teams reached a scenic glacier where a helicopter carrying seven people crashed Saturday, but authorities say crevasses and rugged terrain are hampering their efforts.
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Four British tourists have been killed after the helicopter they were travelling in crashed on a picturesque glacier in New Zealand.
FOUR helicopters have been sent to the crash site, a rescue spokesman says, after the chopper went down on Saturday morning.
Police can confirm that a pilot and 6 passengers were on board the helicopter and believe no one has survived the crash.
The glacier on the distant west coast of South Island is popular with tourists.
Remains of a helicopter that crashed on the Fox Glacier, a popular tourist site on the West Coast of the south Island.
Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn said “the weather was insignificant at the time of the crash, with irregular rain showers and low clouds”.
Alpine Adventures is home of Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Heliservices, Tekapo Helicopters and Kaikoura Helicopters.
“It was not ideal for helicopter flying”, he told them.
4 of the 7 people killed in today’s helicopter crash on a glacier is New Zealand have been identified as British nationals.
Relatives of the individuals on board are being notified, Stuff New Zealand reported.
“My department will remain in close contact with the New Zealand authorities as they respond to the crash and we will provide support to any affected families”. The victims comprised the pilot and six passengers.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has opened an investigation and four investigators were due at the scene this afternoon.
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Five years ago, nine people died when a plane full of skydivers crashed not long after take-off at Fox Glacier.
