MOSCOW, January 7 (Sputnik) — Six passengers and seven crew members safely parachuted from a skydiving plane before it crashed into Lake Taupo on New Zealand's North Island, local media reported Wednesday.
Passengers, crew members and the pilot suffered no injuries and are currently undergoing medical checks, New Zealand Herald newspaper reported, citing the police.
The plane, operated by the Skydive Taupo company, lost power at an altitude of about 1,300 meters (4,200 feet) and shortly after its passengers and crew evacuated, crashed into a part of the lake known as Loafer's Paradise, the newspaper reported, citing Taupo Mayor David Trewavas.
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spokesman Mike Richards said, as quoted by the newspaper, that the rescue of the passengers and crew was miraculous, and that the agency will assist police in the investigation.
Engine failure is believed to have caused the crash.