At least four people dead among 13 injured as helicopters collide

The wreckage of a helicopter is seen following a collision near Seaworld, on the Gold Coast, Monday, January 2, 2023. Four people are dead and another 13 injured after two helicopters collided before one crashed into the Broadwater on the Gold Coast. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING

Four people have been confirmed as dead among 13 injured – three critically –  after two helicopters collided before one crashed into the Broadwater on the Gold Coast.

One chopper ended up upside down on a sandbar at the water’s edge with debris strewn around the area after the crash about 2pm on Monday near the Sea World theme park at Main Beach.

The second aircraft landed safely, but the windscreen was damaged and a number of people were injured by glass debris.

“After our initial inquiries, it appears that one has been taking off and one has been landing,” Acting Inspector Gary Worrell told reporters.

“Those two aircraft then collided, have crashed and landed on the sandbank just out from Sea World resort.

“As a result of that, four people have lost their lives today and we have three others who are critical in hospital.”

Ambulance supervisor Jayney Shearman said another six patients were treated mainly for glass shrapnel wounds.

“There’s a number of injuries, what we call multi-system trauma, which means there was a lot of impact to the body,” she said.

The popular Gold Coast theme park was rocked by the tragedy.

“We and the entire flying community are devastated by what has happened and our sincere condolences go to all those involved and especially the loved ones and family of the deceased,” a spokesperson for Sea World Helicopters said.

“We are co-operating with all the authorities, including the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and the Queensland Police.”

The Queensland Ambulance Service called it a “major incident”.

At least three people were airlifted to hospital in a critical condition, police said, as paramedics treated patients at the scene.

“Thirteen patients are being assessed at the scene where two helicopters have collided on #MainBeach. Please avoid the area,” the QAS reported in a social media update,

Police and Emergency Services said the crash occurred when two helicopters came into contact with each other. One of the helicopters managed to successfully land.

“There are injuries in the other helicopter with emergency services working at the scene,” Police and Emergency Services said in a statement.

Witnesses Dang Nguyen and Julie Gill told The Gold Coast Bulletin they saw “two helicopters crash into each other”, in a report confirmed by another witness.

“Two Seaworld helicopters collided. We’re just leaving Seaworld now, like many others. No one coming in, obviously,” a Twitter user wrote.

“We heard a loud noise and saw bits of debris flying. Emergency services everywhere. Praying all involved are OK,” wrote another.

Witness Jonathon James Spagnol said the crash happened after helicopters got too close, with one’s rear rotor sawing off the other’s.

“Yea 2 choppers hit each other. Look like one went up and one was coming back in. Chopped the back off the other landed on the sand bar. Was right behind us,” he wrote on Facebook.

Julie Cannock reported a huge bang as the aircraft collided.

“Awful watching this happen live in front of us,” Ms Cannock said on social media.

“So lucky for the families and boaties on the beach under where they crashed … huge bang as they collided and the rotors flew off and then watched in slow motion as the 1st chopper crashed to the sand bar … still in shock … so sad for the families on what was supposed to be a lovely days sight seeing tour.”

Carmen Renèe Mallia wrote: “I seen it also. I was absolutely shocked. Shook me to the core. I hope everyone was ok.”

“Saw it hit something from the car and it just went straight down. Hope everyone is okay,” Billie Tunks said on Facebook.

People on jet skis and in boats rushed to help the victims at the small sand island off the theme park before paramedics and police arrived.

A LifeFlight Helicopter also circled over the scene before another was seen heading the scene just before 3pm on the Flight Tracker website.

Seaworld Drive was closed and parts of the theme park also reportedly blocked off.

A witness said one of the helicopters had been doing joy flights from SeaWorld in the hours before the accident.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau was investigating the collision, chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said.

“The ATSB asks anyone who may have seen the collision, or who witnessed the helicopters in any phase of their flights, or who may have footage of any kind, to make contact via witness@atsb.gov.au,” he said.