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A cyclist splashes through the mud during the 2014 iteration of the event. (File photo)
One man died and 11 people were injured during an annual off-road event in Otago.
Emergency services responded to three reported accidents after two distress beacons were activated at around 12.10 p.m.
The accidents occurred during the 18th Lake to Sea Trail Ride in South Otago.
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A police spokeswoman said they could not confirm which vehicles the people were in during the crashes, but the event included both motorcycles and ATVs.
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Runners participating in the 2012 annual event. (File photo)
Information had been limited by poor mobile phone coverage.
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A spokeswoman for St John confirmed that 11 people had been injured, five of them hospitalized.
He said one person was airlifted to Dunedin hospital in serious condition. Another was airlifted under moderate conditions.
Another three in moderate condition were taken to the hospital in ambulances. One person was transported from the scene in a private vehicle.
Five other people suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
The annual field trip is a fundraiser for Tokomairiro High School in Milton. “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who died,” said director Glenis Sim.
He made no further comment, saying that the police had asked him to refer the police communications team to the media.
The route of the trail had three different routes, the main one being 140 km long.
The cyclists were expected to start on Narrowdale Rd, near Milburn, and ride through woods, farmland, and beaches to reach Toko Mouth, before returning to Milburn.
About 900 cyclists were expected to participate.
Organizers have been contacted for comment.
