Two helicopters collided Australian vacationer hotspot Monday afternoon, killing 4 vacationers and critically injuring three others in an accident that drew emergency assist from beachgoers having fun with the water through the southern summer time.
One helicopter seemed to be taking off and the opposite was touchdown after they collided close to the Sea World theme park in Predominant Seaside, on the north coast of the Gold Coast, Gary Worrell, Queensland State police appearing inspector, he stated at a press convention.
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One helicopter landed on the sand, however particles from the opposite was scattered in what police described as a troublesome space to entry.
The lifeless and three critically injured had been all passengers within the crashed helicopter.
“Members of the general public and police tried to evacuate the folks and began first support and tried to get these folks to security from the airframe that was the other way up,” Worrell stated.
“(Folks on) Jet Skis, household boaters, common members of the general public rushed to assist these folks.”
Passengers within the different helicopter, which misplaced its windshield within the accident, are additionally receiving medical consideration.
Footage of the accident confirmed the helicopter shortly after take off being reduce off by one other helicopter flying over the water.
Sea World Helicopters, a separate firm from the theme park, expressed condolences and stated it was cooperating with authorities dealing with the crash investigation.
“We and all the aviation group are devastated by what occurred and our honest condolences exit to all these concerned and particularly the family members and household of the deceased,” the assertion stated.
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The corporate didn’t affirm whether or not it operated one or each helicopters concerned within the crash, saying within the assertion it might not remark additional because of the investigation.
A witness named John informed Melbourne radio station 3AW that Sea World followers heard the crash.
He stated the theme park workers moved rapidly to seal off areas close to the accident.
“There was a giant, large increase,” he stated. “It was actually large. I am undecided if it was the propellers or one thing that was hitting one another. However there was this poor lady and her son close to the helipad in tears. “
This picture is taken from a video displaying the sand dunes the place a helicopter crashed on the Gold Coast, Australia Monday, January 2, 2023. Two helicopters collided Monday afternoon on the Australian coast. (Australian Broadcasting Corp. by way of AP).
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk stated the crash was “an unimaginable tragedy.”
“I really feel sorry for every household and everybody affected by this horrible accident,” he stated.
The top of the Australian Transport Security Bureau, Angus Mitchell, stated the investigation into the reason for the accident is ongoing.
Queensland Ambulance Service beforehand stated 13 folks had been being assessed for accidents.
The Gold Coast is at its busiest in January, the height vacation season within the Australian summer time.
& copy 2023 The Canadian Press