Man fractures ankle on remote bush track

This afternoon Taupo's Greenlea Rescue helicopter was alerted by the rescue co-ordination centre to a PLB that had been activated near the Upper whirinaki hut in the Urewera Ranges.

The beacon was registered to the Whanganui tramping club however as it turned out it was not a member of their party that was injured but another unrelated person.

The injured man was tramping with his wife, two children and a friend when he slipped. His foot went into a hole and his momentum carried him forward. He heard a crack and was subsequently unable to continue walking.

The rest of his party made the 15 - 20 minute hike to the hut where they were fortunate enough to meet up with the other party of trampers who set off their beacon.

Taupo's Greenlea Rescue helicopter was able to position above the man in a small clearing on the side of a stream. With 105 of the 110 foot of winch cable available used the man was hoisted into the helicopter for the flight to Rotorua hospital.

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