On the Gold Coast of Australia, the British victims of a midair collision between two helicopters have been identified.
Diane Hughes, 57, and her husband Ron, 65, were natives of Neston, Cheshire. The couple were married last year and were on vacation, according to Queensland Police.
In Monday’s collision, which occurred as one helicopter was taking off from a sandbar. And the other was landing, their pilot and another passenger perished.
Three others, including two children, sustained serious injuries and are currently hospitalized.
In a statement to the Australian news station 7NEWS, Jane Manns, the daughter of Mr. Hughes, said: “Our family is devastated. And we are still attempting to notify friends and relatives.
Please respect our privacy during this difficult time
Dave Boyce, the brother of Mrs. Hughes, thanked friends for their support in a public Facebook post, adding, “We are extremely humbled during this difficult time.”
Mr. Hughes owned a home interiors business in Neston on the Wirral peninsula. Approximately 12 miles (18 kilometers) south-west of Liverpool.
Paul Lightfoot, a neighbor, told: “I observed Ronnie (Hughes) walking his dog the day. Before he flew; he was anticipating his vacation.
“He was a well-known local figure, and he was a gentleman. It’s a tremendous surprise.”
Australian media
According to Australian media, 36-year-old Vanessa Tadros also perished in the accident, while her 10-year-old son sustained critical injuries.
The fourth victim was Ashley Jenkinson, a 40-year-old skilled Sea World Helicopters pilot from Birmingham who resided in the Gold Coast region.
Ritchie Gregg told that his friend was a “quiet hero and gentle giant”. Who “would have done anything to ensure the safe landing of the chopper.”
He added: “He was a top-tier individual with vast expertise. He has flown in a wide variety of terrains and settings; we are astounded.”
The cause of the crash, which occurred 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of Brisbane near the Sea World resort, is now unknown.
Both helicopters were used to transport tourists to the resort.
Village Roadshow Theme Parks, the company’s owner, has conveyed sympathies and stated that Sea World Helicopters was an independent operator.
According to officials, it occurred less than 20 seconds after one of the helicopters took off.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) stated that all fatalities and serious injuries occurred on the rising helicopter. Which crashed within seconds of its main rotor blade striking the cockpit of the other aircraft.
On the sandbank, the second helicopter landed upright. Five of the six passengers had minor injuries.
Australian media
The landing was “amazing” given that the helicopter was damaged. “Where the pilot was seated,” according to Angus Mitchell, the aviation safety commissioner.
We are quite fortunate that there were not many more fatalities.
It is difficult to reconcile the Gold Coast Broadwater’s beauty. And tranquility with its current status as a significant accident site. The lake is crystal clean, and there are boats and jet skis everywhere.
The sandbank where the helicopter crashed is directly opposite. The helicopter’s wreckage was retrieved earlier; tide conditions posed significant difficulties for the authorities. Now, a few police boats and investigators are scanning the region for additional evidence. At least three divers have been observed scanning the sea floor while submerged.
A stone’s throw away is the amusement park Sea World, where people riding the rides may be heard. According to one eyewitness, as one of the helicopters attempted to land, it hovered over the park, causing anxiety that it would crash into the crowd. This is the height of the holiday season, and many families are present.
One local informed me, “If you know the Gold Coast, you know Sea World helicopters.” They are a popular tourist attraction, and many travelers use them for fast tours of the surrounding area.
The footage from the scene depicted a scene littered with debris.
One eyewitness reported hearing a huge explosion and seeing shrapnel flying everywhere.
Before determining the cause of the incident, the ATSB stated that it would conduct interviews and rigorously examine the helicopters, crash scene, footage, and other evidence.
It requested that witnesses come forward.
After the collision at approximately 14:00 local time (04:00 GMT), boat operators raced to help, including by administering CPR, according to the police.
Officials stated that accessing the sandbank and afterward retrieving evidence was difficult due to fluctuating tides.
The preliminary report from the ATSB is due in six to eight weeks.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the “awful and dreadful occurrence” had left the nation in shock.
The British Foreign Office stated that it was assisting the families of British casualties and will maintain contact with local authorities.
