New Zealand skydiver survives harrowing fall

(AP) WELLINGTON, New Zealand - A New Zealand skydiver has survived a harrowing plunge to the ground after his main parachute failed and a reserve chute only partially worked.

Police say the 35-year-old man suffered serious injuries after he hit the ground at high speed and with enough force to make him bounce.

According to a police statement, the man was parachuting Thursday afternoon at the Motueka Airport on the South Island when his main chute failed and he was unable to open his reserve chute.

Police say the reserve chute eventually deployed automatically when the man was about 230 meters (750 feet) from the ground but did not function properly, although it did help slow his fall.

Nelson Hospital reports the skydiver remains there in a stable condition.