One airlifted after five climbers struck by avalanche near Mt Cook

August 13, 2019
Aoraki Mount Cook.

One person is being airlifted to hospital after an avalanche hit a group of five climbers near Mt Cook this afternoon.  

Rescue Coordination Centre spokesperson Jane Cooper Woodhouse says the party activated their emergency beacon at 3.22pm after being struck by the avalanche while climbing on the Gammack range to the east of Aoraki Mt Cook. 

It’s understood one person has been transported to Christchurch Hospital, though their condition is unknown at this time.  

The other four people involved are believed to be unhurt.  

The Rescue Coordination Centre spokesperson says the group carried a radio and was able to communicate with authorities.

The injured person was picked up from a hut in the Gammack Ranges after the group activated their emergency beacon.

Police told 1 NEWS they were called to the scene at 4.20pm after five people were caught in an avalanche.

One person was injured and was awaiting an airlift to hospital, a police spokesperson said at the time. 

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