KJet launches investigation after five people hospitalised following Queenstown jet-boat accident

Five people were flown to hospital after the crash. Photo / James Allan

Queenstown jet boat company KJet has launched an internal investigation and suspended operations after five people were hospitalised on Sunday in a crash.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has also opened an inquiry with two investigators due to travel to Queenstown on Monday.

There were 11 passengers and one driver on the jetboat when the incident happened at 11.40am, the company said in a statement.

"KJet immediately initiated its emergency procedures and a jetboat with two drivers was dispatched to the area."

Emergency services rushed to the scene of the Shotover River crash, upstream from the SH6 bridge.

A St John ambulance spokeswoman said 12 people were treated by paramedics. Seven of the patients were considered to have "minor" injuries and were assessed and treated at the scene.

Five people, including the driver, were flown to Queenstown Lakes District Hospital.

The spokeswoman said four people were in moderate condition and one had serious injuries.

Three passengers and the driver had since been discharged from hospital while a male passenger would remain in hospital overnight as a precaution, KJet said.

"KJet is working closely with all relevant authorities including the police, Queenstown Lakes District harbourmaster and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission.

"The company has also launched its own internal investigation and all operations were suspended immediately following the incident."

A KJet spokesperson said the company was supporting all passengers on board, their friends and family as well as the driver.

TAIC chief investigator of accidents Harald Hendel said the commission had opened an inquiry into the causes and circumstances of today's accident.

"The circumstances reported to date are that the accident resulted in injuries to some of the persons on board and no reported fatalities. Helicopters transported some of the injured because the location has no road access."

The investigation team would interview witnesses and inspect the boat which had been transported to a secure location.

A police spokeswoman confirmed officers had attended a boating incident.

Emergency services are on the scene of a jet boat crash on the Shotover River. Photo / James Allan

A Fire and Emergency shift manager said they attended to provide assistance to police and ambulance staff, but by 12.45pm had left the scene.