Nine dead in Fox Glacier plane crash

Nine people have died after a plane crash at Fox Glacier airport, emergency services staff say.

The crash, which involved a skydiving plane, happened just before 1.30pm at the end of the runway.

The plane reportedly burst into flames after takeoff.

St John ambulance staff did not know the age or gender of those deceased.

There is only one skydiving company based at Fox Glacier, Skydive New Zealand.

When contacted, a female employee of the company said "no comment".

A message on the company's answerphone this afternoon said, "unfortunately, we will not be skydiving for the rest of the day".

According to the company's website, Skydive New Zealand was relocated from Hokitika to the glaciers in 1997. The business is owned and operated by locals who have been involved in the skydiving and aviation industry for more than 25 years.

The aircraft, a Fletcher Fixed Wing plane, is a type operated by several scenic flight operators in the area, including ski planes, and is considered ideal for the mountain environment.

Police are at the scene.

- © Fairfax NZ News