The Department of Conservation (DOC) is rallying around
family and colleagues of the staff who died in a helicopter
crash this morning in Wanaka.
The helicopter, with two
DOC staff on board, was on its way to undertake tahr control
in the Haast area when it crashed.
Director General
Lou Sanson says he is devastated by the news today and knew
all involved. This is a tragedy for our staff who are like
family and are passionate about the work they do.
DOC’s focus is to support the families and staff as
they go through this tough time. Lou Sanson is on his way to
the region this afternoon.
“We are still trying to
come to terms with this morning’s tragedy. Our hearts go
out to the families of the DOC workers involved.”
DOC will be liaising closely with the police and will not
be commenting further at this stage.
The tahr control
operation has been put on hold while DOC focuses on the
wider DOC family.
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