Eleven people are injured after a hot air balloon crashed near Arrowtown.
St John has confirmed to Newshub eight people have minor injuries, one person has moderate injuries, and two people have serious injuries. Police have confirmed there have been no fatalities.
Those in a serious condition are being transported by helicopter to Dunedin Hospital while the others are being taken to Lakes District Hospital by ambulance.
"We have dispatched two helicopters, four ambulances, a manager in a first response vehicle and a First Response Unit to the scene," says David Baillie, St John territory manager. "We have assessed and trasported 11 patients in minor to serious conditions."
The Sunrise Balloons aircraft crashed near Arrow Junction on Morven Ferry Rd just before 10am on Friday morning.
A witness told Newshub the balloon came down really low, appearing to try and land in a paddock but it was unable to. They say it then lifted back up, moving east over power lines towards Gibbston Valley. It then appeared to get into trouble and crashed.
A spokesperson clarified the balloon did not hit a house, but landed in a 'planned landing paddock'. A partially deflated balloon was seen draped over part of a house.
The crash site is closed to all external visitors, including anyone from Sunrise Balloons.
Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult told Newshub he has been briefed by police.
"I understand there has been a crash involving a hot air balloon. I understand there were nine people on board and there were varying injuries."
He said these type of events have a large impact on the local community.
Do you know more or have images/video of the incident? Contact Newshub at news@newshub.co.nz
Up to 160 homes are without power. The streets affected are Crown Terrace, Gibbston, McDonnell Rd, Morven Ferry Rd.
"At the request of the emergency services we have turned off the power for the safety of emergency responders and the public as they attend an incident," Aurora Energy says. "Power will be restored as soon as it is safe to do so."
