One helicopter landed safely on a sandbank, however particles from the opposite was unfold throughout an space police described as tough to entry.
The lifeless and three most severely injured folks have been all within the crashed helicopter. The pilot was killed and three of its six passengers.
“Members of the general public and police tried to take away the folks they usually commenced first support and tried to get these folks to security from an airframe that was the wrong way up,” Worrell stated.
“(Individuals on) Jet Skis, household boaters, strange members of the general public rushed to help these folks.”
Passengers within the different helicopter, which misplaced its windscreen within the crash, additionally obtained 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 stated it was cooperating with the authorities dealing with the crash investigation.
“We and your 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 stated.
The corporate operated each helicopters. It stated within the assertion it could not remark additional due to the investigation.
A witness named John advised Melbourne radio station 3AW that patrons at Sea World heard the crash.
He stated workers on the theme park moved swiftly to shut off areas closest to the crash.
“There was an enormous, large bang,” he stated. “It was simply enormous. I’m undecided if it was the propellers or no matter hitting in opposition to one another. However there was this poor woman and her son close to the helipad in tears.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk stated the accident was an “unthinkable tragedy.
“My deepest sympathies are with every of the households and everybody affected by this horrible accident,” she stated.
Australian Transport Security Bureau chief commissioner Angus Mitchell stated an investigation into the reason for the crash was underway.
The Gold Coast area is at its busiest in January, the height time for holidays in Australia’s summer season.
