Avalanche near Treble Cone: Four rescued, one injured in Wānaka

Multiple people were swept away by a fast-moving avalanche in Wānaka near the Treble Cone Ski Field area this afternoon.

Police said four people have been accounted for and are safe following the avalanche around 1-2km from the Treble Cone Ski Field area.

One person is reported to have received minor injuries in relation to the incident.

Gripping footage shared on social media showed the people suddenly being swept away down the mountainside as the avalanche took effect.

The person who posted the video to Instagram said they had a “sinking feeling” that the group of ski tourers he captured were standing on unsafe ground.

“I was taking a reference video to send to a friend so they could properly describe the location to police, as I had a sinking feeling about where they were standing and what was likely about to happen,” the poster said on Instagram.

All the members of the group reportedly emerged.

Emergency services were alerted to the avalanche at around 2.30pm.

Four people have been accounted for and are safe following an avalanche around 1-2km from the Treble Cone Ski Field area. Photo / Instagram

Police Search and Rescue was advised, however did not attend.

A Treble Cone Ski Field area spokesperson said the avalanche occurred in the backcountry.

Their avalanche response team was on standby but was not required.

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