Avalanche near Mt Cook

One person has been flown to hospital after five people were hit by an avalanche near Aoraki/mt Cook. A Rescue Co-ordination Centre spokeswoman said the group activated a locator beacon on Gammack Range, on the eastern side of Mt Cook, shortly after 3.20pm yesterday. One of the party, understood to be a man, was injured. A rescue helicopter from Christchurch flew the man to Christchurch Hospital. The spokeswoman said the group also had a radio and were able to communicate with a rescue co-ordinator. They were believed to have been heli touring or ski touring. According to the Avalanche Advisory New Zealand website, Mt Cook was at ‘‘considerable risk’’ of an avalanche.