Key Takeaways
- Two people, a pilot and a passenger, died in a helicopter crash near Wellington on Wednesday
- The victims were pest control contractors working on Transmission Gully
- The crash occurred near Paekākāriki Hill, and a significant recovery operation was undertaken to recover the victims
- The Transport Agency is providing support to those affected by the crash, and Worksafe has been notified
- The Civil Aviation Authority has completed its preliminary scene examination, and police are working to formally confirm the identity of the victims
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic helicopter crash occurred on Wednesday near Wellington, resulting in the loss of two lives. The incident took place near Paekākāriki Hill, and the victims were later confirmed to be pest control contractors working on Transmission Gully. The crash has sent shockwaves through the community, and authorities are working to investigate the cause of the accident. The Transport Agency has confirmed that the two people who died were contractors, and Worksafe has been notified. A witness had earlier reported that the helicopter was involved in goat culling in the area, which has been confirmed by the authorities.
Recovery Efforts
The recovery operation was a significant undertaking, with police and emergency services working together to retrieve the victims from the crash site. Kāpiti-Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins stated that a substantial recovery operation took place to recover both victims from the crash site. The police are working to formally confirm the identity of those who were recovered, but are unable to do so at this stage of the investigation. The thoughts of the police and the community remain with the families and friends of the victims at this difficult time. The area where the crash occurred, near the Battle Hill campground, remains cordoned off while police examine the scene.
Witness Account
A witness who was first to reach the crash site provided a harrowing account of the incident. He reported that he was checking a body for vital signs as the Westpac rescue chopper arrived. Unfortunately, he was unable to find any sign of life before making the call to get clear of the aircraft. The Westpac crew soon spotted another body in thick scrub, on steep terrain some distance from the wreckage. The witness’s account provides a glimpse into the challenging conditions faced by emergency responders and the difficulty of the recovery operation.
Investigation and Support
The Civil Aviation Authority has completed its preliminary scene examination, and police are working to investigate the cause of the crash. The Transport Agency is providing support to those affected by the crash, and Worksafe has been notified. The agency is working to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to support the families of the victims and to investigate the incident. The police are also working to formally confirm the identity of the victims, and their thoughts remain with the families and friends of those who lost their lives.
Conclusion
The helicopter crash near Wellington is a tragic reminder of the risks faced by those working in the aviation industry. The loss of two lives is a devastating blow to the community, and our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and it is essential that all necessary steps are taken to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future. The support provided by the Transport Agency and other authorities is crucial in helping those affected by the crash to cope with their loss. As the community comes to terms with this tragedy, it is essential that we remember the sacrifices made by those who work in difficult and challenging conditions to keep our communities safe.
