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Two helicopters collided in an Australian tourist hotspot on Monday afternoon, killing four passengers and critically injuring three others in a crash that drew emergency help from a water-loving beach during the southern summer.
One helicopter appeared to have taken off and the other landed when they collided near the Sea World theme park on Main Beach, the northern beach of the Gold Coast, Gary Worrell, acting inspector of the Queensland state police, said at a news conference.
One helicopter landed safely on a sandbank, but debris from the other was scattered over an area police described as difficult to access.
Killed and three people were seriously injured were all passengers in the helicopter that crashed.
The airframe was upside down
“Members of the public and police tried to remove them and started first aid and tried to get them to safety from the overturned aircraft,” Worrell said.
“[People on] Jet Skiers, family boaters, ordinary members of the public rushed to help these people.
Passengers in the other helicopter, which lost its windshield in the crash, also received medical assistance.
Footage of the crash shows the helicopter shortly after takeoff being clipped by another helicopter flying over the water.
Sea World Helicopters, a separate company from the theme park, expressed its condolences and said it was cooperating with authorities handling the crash investigation.
“We and the entire flying community are devastated by this incident and our sincere condolences go out to all involved and especially the loved ones and families of the deceased,” the statement said.
‘A massive bang, massive bang’
The company did not confirm whether it operated one or both helicopters involved in the crash, saying in a statement it would not comment further because of the investigation.
A witness named John told Melbourne radio station 3AW that visitors to Sea World heard the crash.
He said staff at the theme park quickly cordoned off the area closest to the crash.
“There was a huge explosion,” he said. “It was just huge. I’m not sure if the propellers or something hit each other. But there was a poor woman and her son near the helipad crying.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the crash was an “unthinkable tragedy.”
“My deepest sympathies go out to every family and everyone affected by this terrible accident,” he said.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau Commissioner Angus Mitchell said an investigation was underway into the cause of the crash.
Queensland Ambulance Service said earlier that 13 people were being assessed for injuries.
The Gold Coast region is busiest in January, the peak time for holidays in the Australian summer.
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