The midair collision occurred just outside the theme park on the Gold Coast in Queensland during the summer school vacations. When the site would have been crowded with families.
Near a marine theme park in the Australian state of Queensland, two helicopters collided. It killed four passengers and leaving three more in critical condition.
The midair collision occurred just outside Sea World on the Gold Coast at approximately 2:00 p.m. local time. when the theme park would have been crowded with families enjoying the summer school break.
Initial information indicated that one of the helicopters was taking off. While the other was landing, Queensland Police Acting Inspector Gary Worrell said.
He thanked the members of the public who were among the first to arrive at the scene. And added that the location, a sandbank, had made entry difficult.
“One aircraft had its windscreen removed and landed safely on the island. Whereas the second aircraft had crashed and was inverted,” Mr. Worrell explained.
“Members of the public and police attempted to remove the individuals, administer first aid, and assist them to safety.”
According to Queensland Ambulance Service’s Janet Shearman, thirteen individuals were aboard the two helicopters.
The three gravely injured suffered from “multi-system trauma,” while six persons with lesser injuries, caused primarily by the impact of the glass, were also transported to the hospital.
A second aircraft flying over the ocean collided with a helicopter immediately after its takeoff, as seen on video.
Sea World Helicopters, a different firm from the amusement park, offered its condolences. And stated that it will cooperate with the authorities investigating the tragedy.
“We and the entire aviation community are horrified by what has occurred, and our deepest condolences go out to all those affected. Especially the deceased’s loved ones and family,” the statement read.
The company refused to clarify whether it operated one or both of the helicopters involved in the disaster, citing the ongoing inquiry.
John, a witness, told Melbourne radio station 3AW that Sea World patrons heard the crash, and personnel responded rapidly to block off the immediate area.
“There was a big, massive explosion”
“I don’t know if it was the propellers or anything else colliding. But this unfortunate woman and her son were weeping near the helipad.”
Annastacia Palaszczuk, the premier of Queensland, described the event as an “unimaginable tragedy.”
She expressed her sincere condolences to each family and individual affected by this tragic disaster.
According to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, an inquiry into the cause of the accident is currently underway.
