Skiers caught by avalanche
2004-08-13 07:50
Wellington - Rescuers are probing the snow for an unknown number of people swept up in a massive avalanche at Treble Cone ski field near the South Island resort of Wanaka, radio news reported on Friday.
The avalanche, measuring 150m by 800m, swept across the main ski field.
Eyewitnesses described an awesome, powerful but deadly quiet wave of snow.
Skiers jumped to the side but some reported seeing at least two people getting caught up in the avalanche.
People are unaccounted for and rescue workers are on Treble Cone prodding the debris for survivors.
Shona Willis, a radio reporter on holiday, said she had just completed a run when the avalanche cascaded down the slope.
Willis said it came down in a big wave.
She said she had spoken to one man whose wife and two daughters were unaccounted for.
Police said 150 people were searching the snow. - DPA
- SAPA