Near SeaWorld on Australia’s Gold Coast, two helicopters collided in midair, killing four people. According to preliminary investigations, the incident happened while one jet was taking off and the other was landing, according to Queensland Police.
On the same chopper as the deceased was. The situation of three further passengers is critical. Two British people perished in the collision, a Foreign Office spokeswoman informed the BBC. Officials would assist the families of the two unidentified victims, they continued, and they will “be in touch with local authorities.”
Minor injuries were sustained by five of the other plane’s six passengers after it touched down. According to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the “awful and horrible occurrence” left the nation in shock. “My greatest thoughts go out to those who are in mourning, and my heart goes out to all those affected especially first responders,” he said. The crash, which occurred at 2:00 p.m. local time, is being looked into by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) (04:00GMT).
The two aircraft landed close to Main Beach, a popular tourist destination located around 75 kilometers (47 miles) south of Brisbane. “It was a difficult scene,” Queensland Police Officer Gary Worrell said. Due to the location being on a sandbar, it was challenging to access and required the presence of our emergency services.
Debris was all over the scene, and a damaged aircraft appeared to be hanging upside down across from the SeaWorld resort in photos taken at the time. After the crash, it appears that another helicopter that had the well-known Ocean Park insignia on its fuselage made an emergency landing.
According to Mr. Worrell, members of the public and police attempted to remove passengers and treat the injured. Visitors visiting SeaWorld can take scenic helicopter flights as well as other charter flights, according to the park’s website.
Local police have closed Seaworld Drive, the primary entrance to Ocean Park. Chief Inspector Angus Mitchell of the ATSB urged any witnesses who saw the accident or the helicopter in flight to get in touch with the detectives.
A comprehensive report would be provided once the inquiry was over, he added, and a preliminary report would be released in the following six to eight weeks. The incident was described as a “unimaginable catastrophe” by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who also expressed her “deepest condolences to every family and everyone affected by this horrible disaster.” Summer vacations for children coincide with peak travel season on the Gold Coast.
