SYDNEY, Jan 2 (NNN-AAP) – Four people were killed and three others were in critical condition, after two helicopters, today, collided, at the Gold Coast, in the Australian state of Queensland, authorities confirmed.
“About 2:00 p.m. today, police and emergency services were called to a two-helicopter midair collision, just opposite Sea World in the Broadwater. Those two aircraft collided, crashed and landed on the sandbank, just out from Sea World resort,” Queensland Police, South Eastern Regional Duty Officer, Gary Worrell, told reporters.
According to his briefing, one airframe had its windscreen removed and landed safely on the island, while the other crashed and became upside down.
“Four people lost their lives today and we have three others who are critical in hospital,” said the officer, adding that, investigation is ongoing and there will be a report by the coroner.
Jayney Shearman, senior operations supervisor, at the Queensland Ambulance Service, said that, they identified 13 people in total from the two helicopters.
There were also six other people suffering minor injuries, mainly from glass shrapnel, according to her.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) Chief Commissioner, Angus Mitchell, announced, the bureau has commenced a transport safety investigation into the fatal mid-air collision.
“The ATSB anticipates publishing a preliminary report detailing basic information gathered during the investigation’s evidence collection phase, in approximately six to eight weeks.”
Meanwhile, the state’s premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, expressed her condolences on her social media, regarding the crash as “an unthinkable tragedy.”
“My deepest sympathies are with each of the families and everyone affected by this terrible accident,” the state premier wrote.– NNN-AAP
