Helicopter crash north of Kaikōura: two people killed, three seriously injured

Two people were killed in a helicopter crash north of Kaikōura.

Locals ran into the rubble to help after watching in horror as the helicopter, with five people on board, crashed into the mouth of a river.

Three people seriously injured in the accident have been taken to the hospital

“No further details on the deceased and injured, including ages and genders, will be released until all necessary family notifications have been made,” police said in a statement.

The accident took place at the mouth of the Kekerengu River in Clarence, a small town 30 km north of Kaikōura, at 12:42 p.m.

The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating.

Kekerengu resident Ian Mehrtens thought the helicopter was landing, until it started spinning around and around.

The helicopter crashed onto the beach and he went to the scene and helped lift people out of the wreckage.

“I didn’t really count [how many] because it was the stress of the moment to get people out, “ZB told Newstalk.

He remained at the scene until emergency services arrived.

About six or seven police cars came from all directions before five or six firefighters and medics arrived.

“Everyone is there now. I couldn’t do more so I went home,” said Ian Mehrtens.

‘We just watched him go round and round and round’

Coastal Lodge owner Lyn Mehrtens watched the helicopter drop to the ground and spin in circles as it descended.

“We just watched it go round and round and round,” Mehrtens said.

“It’s scary. You’re so helpless. You can’t do anything.”

Mehrtens said her husband ran 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 help until emergency crews arrived.

The helicopter appeared to have crashed near the front of The Store, which was a popular place to visit by helicopters.

A spokeswoman for Kaikoura Helicopters Ltd said it was not one of their machines.

St John has dispatched three helicopters to the scene, one from Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch.

A spokesperson says an ambulance was on the way from Kaikōura, as well as an intensive care paramedic and a manager from Blenheim.

It says crews are still heading to the scene after they were called in at 12:42 p.m.

The 60 km journey from Kaikoura to Clarence, which is at the mouth of the Kekerengu River, will take 48 minutes to drive on State Highway 1, according to
Google Maps.

Meanwhile, the journey from Blenheim will take 52 minutes to reach 68 km.

Police confirmed the accident near the mouth of the Kekerengu River, north of Kaikōura.

“Emergency services were alerted to the accident at 12:40 pm and are currently on their way to the scene,” police said.

“At this initial stage there is no confirmed information on the number of people who were aboard the helicopter or the injuries suffered.”