Helicopter crashes near Matatā, Bay of Plenty, three people injured

A light aircraft has crashed on a rural property near Bennett Rd, Matatā. Photo / Google StreetView

Three people have been transported to hospital following a helicopter crash this afternoon in eastern Bay of Plenty.

Emergency services were alerted to the crash on a rural residential property between Matatā and Thorndon at 3.16pm.

One patient in a serious condition has been airlifted to Tauranga Hospital, and two patients in a moderate condition were transported via ambulance to Whakatāne Hospital.

“We responded with two ambulances, two rapid response units, two helicopters and one manager to the scene,” St John said.

“Our crews have assessed and treated three patients.”

Police also attended and said they had received reports a helicopter had crashed.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand northern shift manager Josh Pennefather said they responded to an aircraft crash in the vicinity of Bennett Road, near Matatā.

The service was notified at 3.18pm and one fire truck attended from the Matatā station.

“There were no persons trapped,” Pennefather said.

“We are assisting police and ambulance with one fire truck.”

Matatā is about 55km southeast of Tauranga on the coast.

At the scene? Phone 0800 SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz