Search underway after hiker swept down river in Selwyn

A search is underway after a man was swept down a river while hiking the Cass-Lagoon Saddle track in Selwyn on Thursday.The man was attempting to cross the river when he fell and was swept downstream, Christchurch Police Search and Rescue's Detective Cam Ellis said."The man's friend was able to make it back to State Highway 73 [West Coast Road], where a concerned passerby has stopped to help and contacted police."A search of the river and surrounding areas was not successful in finding the man on Thursday and teams continued into the night.Another search began Friday morning though Ellis said conditions were hazardous.Police and Land Search and Rescue teams are working through snow, flooded rivers and an alpine environment, he said.The man's friend was taken to Christchurch Hospital on Thursday with minor injuries.Thursday's search effort involved police, along with dog units, Land Search and Rescue teams, rescue helicopters from Garden City Helicopters and Main Divide Helicopters, and North Canterbury Coastguard.