Three people have survived a helicopter crash on Poerua Glacier in Westland National Park this morning.
Police were alerted at about 10.35am that he helicopter that had left Franz Josef to uplift two hunters from the Poerua Glacier area was overdue. A beacon activation was also reported about that time.
The helicopter was located on the glacier about 11.30am. The two hunters on board are reported to have minor injuries. The pilot who was initially trapped in the cockpit is reported to have status 2 injuries. All three have been flown to the Hari Hari Medical Centre.
No further information about the crash is known at this stage. Next of kin enquiries are continuing.
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