Two injured in helicopter crash

Two people were seriously injured when a helicopter crashed in South Westland last night.

Inspector John Doherty of the police southern communications centre said police were alerted just after 8pm that a R22 helicopter had crashed at Mussel Point at Jackson Bay, south of Haast.

The two occupants were transferred to Greymouth Hospital by helicopter.

It was not known whether the helicopter was a commercial or private flight, he said.

Constable Noel McEwen of the Greymouth police said the cause of the crash had yet to be determined, but it was believed at least one of the occupants had suffered spinal injuries.

National Radio reported that the pair were in a serious condition.

- NZPA