MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — 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 in the course of the southern summer time.
One helicopter appeared to have been taking off and the opposite touchdown once they collided close to the Sea World theme park in Fundamental Seashore, a northern seashore on the Gold Coast, Gary Worrell, Queensland state police appearing inspector, mentioned at a information convention.
Dave Hunt/AAP Picture by way of AP
One helicopter landed safely on a sandbank, however particles from the opposite was unfold throughout an space police described as troublesome to entry.
The lifeless and three most severely injured individuals had been all passengers within the crashed helicopter.
“Members of the general public and police tried to take away the individuals they usually commenced first assist and tried to get these individuals to security from an airframe that was the wrong way up,” Worrell mentioned.
“(Individuals on) Jet Skis, household boaters, peculiar members of the general public rushed to help these individuals.”
Passengers within the different helicopter, which misplaced its windscreen within the crash, are additionally receiving medical help.
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 firm from the theme park, expressed its condolences and mentioned it was cooperating with the authorities dealing with the crash investigation.
“We and the complete flying neighborhood are devastated by what has occurred and our honest condolences go to all these concerned and particularly the family members and household of the deceased,” the assertion mentioned.
The corporate didn’t verify if it operated one or each helicopters concerned within the crash, saying within the assertion it will not remark additional due to the investigation.
A witness named John informed Melbourne radio station 3AW that patrons at Sea World heard the crash.
He mentioned employees on the theme park moved swiftly to shut off areas closest to the crash.
“There was an enormous, huge bang,” he mentioned. “It was simply large. I’m unsure if it was the propellers or no matter hitting towards one another. However there was this poor girl and her son close 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 everybody affected by this horrible accident,” she mentioned.
Australian Transport Security Bureau chief commissioner Angus Mitchell mentioned an investigation into the reason for the crash was underway.
Queensland Ambulance Service mentioned earlier that 13 individuals had been being assessed for accidents.
The Gold Coast area is at its busiest in January, the height time for holidays in Australia’s summer time.