"A helicopter carrying seven people has crashed on Fox Glacier and there are reports of fatalities".
Helicopter crashes at New Zealand tourist spot
Auckland: A helicopter carrying seven people has crashed on Fox Glacier and there are reports of fatalities.
It was understood the company involved was called Alpine Adventures.
The Rescue Co-Ordination Centre is leading a rescue operation and four helicopters have been dispatched to Fox Glacier. Some reports said all on board were dead, but that was not confirmed.
Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand communications manager Mike Richards confirmed seven people were on board.
"We had the accident reported to us so we can confirm seven were on board but we don't know what the state of the passengers are."
Rescue Co-ordination Centre media and communications advisor Vince Cholewa said two helicopters were flying from Christchurch, one from Greymouth and one from Fox Glacier, with a cliff rescue team on board.
Mr Cholewa said further information would be released as they got it.
St John was alerted to reports of a helicopter crash at 11.05am on Saturday.
A spokesperson confirmed two air ambulances and a road ambulance were on their way to the scene at Fox Glacier.
They were unable to confirm any more details, as emergency services were yet to reach the scene.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission was understood to have opened an inquiry into the incident.
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Dean