Person survives plane crash in Central Otago but in serious condition, cut out of wreckage

A person in a light plane which crashed in Central Otago this afternoon has survived but is in a serious condition, according to rescuers.

The injured person has been transported to Dunedin Hospital following a crash in the Dingle Burn Valley, on the eastern side of Lake Hāwea, north of Wānaka according to the Maritime NZ Rescue Coordination Centre.

The crash victim is in a serious condition.

The RCCNZ was notified that the plane was in trouble about 1pm after receiving an alert from the aircraft’s emergency location transmitter.

Because of the state of the plane following the crash, rescue crews were assisted by Fire and Emergency NZ staff, who brought cutting equipment to the scene.

The person was removed from the plane about 3.45pm, and has been taken to Dunedin Hospital.

Police are now attending the scene of the crash.

More to come.