5 New Zealanders, 4 foreigners killed in plane crash in NZ's South Island

12:54, 4 September 2010

WELLINGTON. September 4. KAZINFORM Police confirmed that nine people were killed in a plane crash at Fox Glacier in New Zealand' s South Island on Saturday. Kazinform refers to Xinhua.

The accident happened at 1:15 p.m. on Saturday when the plane, carrying a party of skydivers and tourists, crashed at the end of the runway at Fox Glacier Airport, the NZPA reported.

The light plane, from a local sky diving company, reportedly burst into flames shortly after takeoff.

There were five New Zealanders on board and Australian, Irish, German and U.K. citizens.

Police from Tasman District have secured the scene of the crash site and the bodies will remain there until Sunday.

A Police Disaster Victim Identification team is currently en- route to Fox Glacier.

Police are unable to release the identities of the victims until relatives have been informed.

The cause of the crash was under investigation. Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.xinhuanet.com for full version.

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