Four passengers were killed when two helicopters collided mid-air in Australia; one landed safely

• Image Credit: Internet

• Jan 2, 2023 | Kabir Chakraborty

One aircraft landed safely on a sandbank, but debris from the other was scattered across a difficult-to-access location, according to authorities.

Digital Desk: Two helicopters crashed Monday afternoon in an Australian tourist destination, killing four passengers and gravely wounding three others in an accident that prompted emergency assistance from beachgoers enjoying the ocean during the southern summer. When they crashed near the Sea World theme park on Main Resort, a northern Gold Coast beach, one helicopter looked to be taking off and the other landing, said Gary Worrell, Queensland state police acting inspector, at a news conference. 

One aircraft landed safely on a sandbank, but debris from the other was scattered across a difficult-to-access location, according to authorities.

All of those killed and critically injured were passengers in the crashed chopper. "Members of the public and police attempted to remove the victims, and they began first aid and attempted to get those folks to safety from an upside down airframe," Worrell added. 

"(People on) Jet Skis, family boats, and members of the general public raced to save these people." Passengers aboard the other helicopter, which lost its windscreen in the collision, are also being treated. Footage from the tragedy showed a helicopter getting clipped by another helicopter flying over the ocean shortly after takeoff.

Sea World Helicopters, a separate firm from the entertainment park, offered its condolences and stated that it was cooperating with authorities investigating the tragedy. "We and the entire aviation community are horrified by what has occurred, and our heartfelt condolences go out to all those affected, particularly the loved ones and families of the deceased," the statement added.

"There was a massive, massive bang"

The company did not confirm if it operated one or both of the helicopters involved in the incident, and stated in a statement that it would not comment further due to the ongoing inquiry. A witness named John informed Melbourne radio station 3AW that the accident was heard by Sea World visitors. According to him, personnel at the amusement park moved quickly to seal off sections around the crash. 

"There was a huge, huge blast," he added. "It was enormous. I'm not sure if that was the propellers or something else colliding. But there was this poor mom and her son crying at the helipad." The crash was described as a "unthinkable catastrophe" by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. 

"My heartfelt condolences go out to all of the families and everyone affected by this horrible accident," she stated. 

Angus Mitchell, the chief commissioner of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, said an inquiry into the cause of the crash was ongoing. 

The Queensland Ambulance Service had previously stated that 13 persons were being evaluated for injuries. The Gold Coast region is busiest in January, the peak month for summer vacations in Australia.