Key Takeaways
- Two people died in a helicopter crash near Wellington while working as pest control contractors on Transmission Gully.
- The pilot and passenger were involved in goat culling in the area at the time of the crash.
- WorkSafe has been notified and a significant recovery operation took place to recover the victims from the crash site.
- The identities of the victims have not been formally confirmed, but police are working to do so and are providing support to their families and friends.
- The Civil Aviation Authority has completed a preliminary scene examination and an investigation is ongoing.
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic helicopter crash occurred near Wellington, resulting in the deaths of two people who were working as pest control contractors on Transmission Gully. The incident happened near Paekākāriki Hill, and both the pilot and passenger lost their lives. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) confirmed that the duo were pest control contractors and that WorkSafe had been notified. This incident is a sobering reminder of the risks and dangers associated with certain types of work, particularly those that involve aviation and working in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
Details of the Crash
According to a witness, the helicopter was involved in goat culling in the area at the time of the crash. The witness, who was the first to reach the crash site, 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, and he made the call to get clear of the aircraft due to fuel leaking out. The Westpac crew soon spotted another body in thick scrub on steep terrain, some distance from the wreckage. This highlights the challenging nature of the terrain and the difficulties that responders faced in reaching the crash site and recovering the victims.
Response and Investigation
A significant recovery operation took place to recover the victims from the crash site, with police working to formally confirm the identity of those who were recovered. Kāpiti-Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins stated that police are working to confirm the identities of the victims, but are unable to do so at this stage of the investigation. The police are providing support to the families and friends of the victims, and their thoughts are with them at this difficult time. Cordons remained in place around the Battle Hill campground while police examined the scene, and Civil Aviation Authority investigators have completed a preliminary scene examination. The investigation is ongoing, and it is likely that further details will emerge in the coming days and weeks.
Support and Next Steps
The NZTA has confirmed that it is providing support to those affected by the crash, including the families and friends of the victims. This support is crucial in helping those affected to cope with the aftermath of the incident. The incident also highlights the importance of supporting workers who are involved in high-risk activities, such as pest control and aviation. Employers and regulators have a critical role to play in ensuring that workers are properly trained and equipped to carry out their jobs safely, and that risks are minimized wherever possible. As the investigation into the crash continues, it is likely that there will be a focus on identifying any lessons that can be learned and any steps that can be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Conclusion
The helicopter crash near Wellington is a tragic reminder of the risks and dangers associated with certain types of work. The incident has resulted in the loss of two lives, and it is essential that we take the time to reflect on what happened and how we can learn from it. The key takeaways from this incident are that two people died in a helicopter crash while working as pest control contractors, the pilot and passenger were involved in goat culling, and WorkSafe has been notified. The investigation is ongoing, and it is likely that further details will emerge in the coming days and weeks. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims, and we hope that they receive the support they need during this difficult time.
