At least four people have been killed and three others seriously injured after two helicopters collided on Australia’s Gold Coast near a Sea World theme park on Monday afternoon.
Police said the accident drew emergency help from bathers who had been enjoying the water during the southern summer. Police Officer Gary Worrell said people on personal watercraft, family boaters and others rushed to help.
Queensland Police confirmed the accident via Twitter, but did not provide details.
“Seaworld Drive in Main Beach has been closed due to a helicopter crash. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to avoid the area,” the agency said in its tweet.
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This image taken from video shows a sandbank with a crashed helicopter on the Gold Coast, Australia, Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Two helicopters collided on Monday afternoon over the Australian beach.
(Australian Broadcasting Corporation via AP)
The Queensland Ambulance Service said 13 patients were being tested, according to 9News Australia.
Police confirmed to the outlet that one of the helicopters was able to land successfully after the aircraft “came into contact with each other.”
Footage of the accident showed a helicopter shortly after takeoff being intercepted by another helicopter flying over the water, according to the Associated Press.
Images and video from the scene show wreckage covering a sandy island just offshore. Numerous emergency personnel were seen on the sand island assisting with the incident.
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Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk called the accident an “unthinkable tragedy”.
The Australian Transport Safety Office was investigating the collision, Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.
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The Gold Coast region is busiest in January, Australia’s peak summer holiday season.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
