Four people were killed and three others seriously injured when two helicopters collided in midair on Australia’s tourist Gold Coast on Monday, officials said.
A helicopter capsized in the sand just meters from shore. Its rotors aren’t far off, according to images on the ABC public network.
Collision in the air! In a shocking development, at least 4 people suffered fatal injuries and 13 others were injured in the collision of two Eurocopter EC 130B4 helicopters in eastern Australia.
Viewer discretion recommended.#Helicopter #Security pic.twitter.com/fGkMfYdWqN
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) January 2, 2023
The other helicopter appeared mostly intact at the crash site, which is near popular marine theme park Sea World. Dozens of rescue workers rushed to the area.
“When they collided, they fell over and came to rest on the sandbar outside the Sea World complex,” Gary Worrell, deputy inspector for the Queensland Police Service, said at a news conference.
“As a result, four people lost their lives. Three others are in critical condition in hospital,” he added.
The Australian Transport Safety Office has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.