‘We just watched it go round and round’
Horrified locals could only watch as helicopter in death spiral
Two people have died in a helicopter crash at a rivermouth north of Kaiko¯ura. Three other occupants — believed to include children — survived the impact.
They were dragged free from the wreckage by locals who had watched in horror as the helicopter spiralled downwards and went to help, some with tractors.
The three survivors were seriously injured and were flown to hospital.
The crash happened at the Kekerengu rivermouth at Clarence, a small town 30km north of Kaiko¯ura, about 12.42pm yesterday.
The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating.
Coastal Lodge owner Lyn Mehrtens watched as the chopper plunged to the ground, spinning in circles as it descended.
“We just watched it go round and round and round.
“It’s scary. You’re just so helpless.
You can’t do anything.”
Mehrtens said her husband raced to the crash site, and others in the community were on tractors doing what they could to help those inside the wreckage.
Everyone who could helped out until emergency crews arrived.
The chopper appeared to have crashed near the front of The Store, which was a popular visiting spot for heli-tourists.
Kekerengu resident Ian Mehrtens thought the chopper was landing, until it started spinning around and around.
He headed to the scene and helped remove people from the wreckage.
“I didn’t really count [ how many] because it was just the stress of the moment to get people out,” he told Newstalk ZB.
He stayed at the scene until emergency services arrived.
“Further details regarding the deceased and injured, including ages and genders, will not be released until all necessary family notifications have been carried out,” police said in a statement.