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 all by way of the southern summer time.
One helicopter appeared to have been taking off and the completely different touchdown after they collided shut to the ocean World theme park in most important seashore, a northern seashore on the Gold Coast, Gary Worrell, Queensland state police appearing inspector, mentioned at a information convention.
One helicopter landed safely on a sandbank, however particles from the completely different was unfold throughout an space police described as troublesome to entry.
The lifeless and three most severely injured of us had been all passengers inside the crashed helicopter.
Airframe was the incorrect means up
“Members of the ultimate public and police tried to take away the of us they typically commenced first assist and tried to get these of us to safety from an airframe that was the incorrect means up,” Worrell mentioned.
“[People on] Jet Skis, household boaters, atypical members of the ultimate public rushed to assist these of us.”
Passengers inside the completely different helicopter, which misplaced its windscreen inside the crash, are additionally receiving medical assist.
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 agency from the theme park, expressed its condolences and mentioned it was co-working with the authorities dealing with the crash investigation.
“We and the whole flying group are devastated by what has occurred and our honest condolences go to all these involved and significantly the members of the household and household of the deceased,” the assertion mentioned.
‘a massive, massive bang’
the agency did not affirm if it operated one or each helicopters involved inside the crash, saying inside the assertion it might not remark extra as a consequence of of the investigation.
A witness named John advised Melbourne radio station 3AW that patrons at Sea World heard the crash.
He mentioned staff on the theme park moved swiftly to close off areas closest to the crash.
“There was a massive, massive bang,” he mentioned. “It was simply massive. i am undecided if it was the propellers or no matter hitting in the direction of every completely different. however there was this poor woman and her son shut to the helipad in tears.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk mentioned the accident was an “unthinkable tragedy.”
“My deepest sympathies are with every of the households and everyone affected by this horrible accident,” she mentioned.
Australian Transport safety Bureau chief commissioner Angus Mitchell mentioned an investigation into the purpose for the crash was underway.
Queensland Ambulance Service mentioned earlier that thirteen of us had been being assessed for accidents.
The Gold Coast area is at its busiest in January, the peak time for holidays in Australia’s summer time.
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