Two helicopters collided in an Australian vacationer hotspot Monday afternoon, killing 4 passengers and critically injuring three others in a crash that drew emergency assist from beachgoers having fun with the water through the southern summer time.
One helicopter appeared to have been taking off and the opposite touchdown once they collided close to the Sea World theme park in Principal Seaside, a northern seashore on the Gold Coast, Gary Worrell, Queensland state police performing inspector, stated at a information convention.
One helicopter landed safely on a sandbank, however particles from the opposite was unfold throughout an space police described as troublesome to entry.
The lifeless and three most significantly injured individuals have been all passengers within the crashed helicopter.
“Members of the general public and police tried to take away the individuals they usually commenced first assist and tried to get these individuals to security from an airframe that was the other way up,” Worrell stated.
“(Folks on) Jet Skis, household boaters, bizarre members of the general public rushed to help these individuals.”
Passengers within the different helicopter, which misplaced its windscreen within the crash, are additionally receiving medical help.
Footage of the crash confirmed a helicopter shortly after takeoff being clipped by one other helicopter flying over the water.
Sea World Helicopters, a separate firm from the theme park, expressed its condolences and stated it was cooperating with the authorities dealing with the crash investigation.
“We and the whole flying neighborhood are devastated by what has occurred and our honest condolences go to all these concerned and particularly the family members and household of the deceased,” the assertion stated.
The corporate didn’t affirm if it operated one or each helicopters concerned within the crash, saying within the assertion it might not remark additional due to the investigation.
A witness named John informed Melbourne radio station 3AW that patrons at Sea World heard the crash.
He stated employees on the theme park moved swiftly to shut off areas closest to the crash.
“There was a large, large bang,” he stated. “It was simply large. I’m undecided if it was the propellers or no matter hitting in opposition to one another. However there was this poor girl and her son close to the helipad in tears.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk stated the accident was an “unthinkable tragedy.
“My deepest sympathies are with every of the households and everybody affected by this horrible accident,” she stated.
Australian Transport Security Bureau chief commissioner Angus Mitchell stated an investigation into the reason for the crash was underway.
Queensland Ambulance Service stated earlier that 13 individuals have been being assessed for accidents.
The Gold Coast area is at its busiest in January, the height time for holidays in Australia’s summer time.
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