LATEST @ 4.50PM | Four people have been confirmed dead, and three are fighting for life in hospital following a horrific helicopter collision on the Gold Coast.
The two helicopters collided mid-air and crash landed on the sandbank near Seaworld just before 2pm Monday.
The four people killed, and the three critically injured were on board the same helictoper.
The second helicopter had a pilot and five passengers on board, and they have all survived and sustained just minor injuries.
It’s not yet known any of the patients age or gender.
Police say initial enquiries appear that one of the aircrafts was taking off and one was landing when the two crashed.
Acting Inspector Gary Worrell says first repsonders and multiple members of the public were confronted with a “signifcant incident”.
“I’d like to thank all the members of the public that attended the critical scene, it is a diffucult scene, lots of moving parts and due to the area it was located it was difficult to gain access,” Acting Inspector Worrell says.
“Thankyou for your efforts to help those people.”
PHOTO: Marcus Greigh
Jayney Shearman from Queensland Ambulance says they deployed a large response.
“QAS deployed all available resources including high acuity response unit, ambulances, critical care paramedics, advanced care paramedics and supervisors to the scene as well as two medical helicopters to assist,” Ms Shearman says.
“This is very traumatic and our thoughts and condolonces go out to the families all those involved,
“This is a very trying day for our officers, we have really great support systems and today we’ll be holding a debrief for all those invovled.”
A police investigation is ongoing, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will also lead a major investigation.
EARLIER @ 3PM | Four people are feared dead and several others have been seriously injured after two helicopters collided before one crashed near Seaworld on the Gold Coast.
Two helicopters collided near the Seaworld heliport just before 2pm on Monday.
Witnesses report one of the helicopters was taking off while the other one was attempting to land when they collided.
One of the helicopters crashed on a sandbank adjacent to the heliport following the collision.
The second helicopter suffered a hard landing and reportedly sustained damage to its cockpit.
Multiple crews from Queensland Ambulance and QFES are on the scene responding to what has been described as a ‘major incident’.
At least 13 people are being assessed by paramedics.
Fire crews are attempting to stabilise the helicopter that crashed on the sandbank while also trying to limit fuel leaks.
PHOTO: Marcus Greig
Seaworld Drive at Main Beach has been closed to traffic with motorists urged to avoid the area.
Gold Coast’s Acting Mayor Donna Gates has urged the community to keep away from the area.
“It’s an unthinable tragedy and I’d like to urge everyone to stay away while the first responders do their job,” Acting Mayor Gates says.
“It’s too early to understand how this incident occured but our hearts go out to all involved.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has taken to social media to pay tribute to the families involved.
“What has happened on the Gold Coast today is an unthinkable tragedy,” the post reads.
“My deepest sympathies are with each of the families and everyone affected by this terrible accident.”
More to come.
