Two Australian visitors have been killed by tonnes of falling ice at the terminal face of Fox glacier located on the West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand. The two brothers aged 22 and 24 had stepped over the barrier to get closer to the glacier. It is believed that they were photographing at the time the huge slabs of ice crushed them.
Ice is constantly falling from the face of the glacier terminal into the river below but on this occasions large slabs the size of vehicles fall onto the unsuspecting men.
Local media are portraying the men as foolish for ignoring warning signs to stay on the designated track. As the glacier has receded in recent years, the track to view the glacier finishes at least five hundreds metres short of the terminus. Most visitors to the glacier step over the low fence and continue further for a closer look. This can be clearly seen by the well worn path on the other side of the official fence.
I believe that the actions of the two unfortunate Australians were indicative of most visitors and the real issue lies with The Department of Conservations inadequate viewing track. As one of New Zealands greatest scenic attractions, the track to Fox Glacier should be upgraded and moved forward to a point that gives visitors the vistas that are commonly advertised and which sight seers have come to expect. If the track ended at a safe distance but still within the commonly publicised view, the need to leave the track would not exist.
It is clear that the two visitors were dangerously close but the official excuse that there are ample warning signs does not absolve the Department of shouldering some of the responsibility. The present track terminates at a point that it almost invites visitors to proceed uncontrolled.
