Four people have died and three are critically injured after a mid-air collision involving two helicopters near the Sea World theme park on Australia’s Gold Coast region.
Three passengers – a woman and two young boys – have been taken to hospital in critical condition.
The collision happened around 2 p.m. local time near the popular tourist strip of Main Beach on the Gold Coast, south of Brisbane.
Queensland Police said it appeared that one helicopter was taking off and another was landing when the incident occurred on Monday afternoon.
Acting Insp Gary Worrell said it was a “difficult scene”. He told reporters that “Four people have lost their lives today and we have three others critical in hospital”.
The Australian Broadcasting Corp. said one helicopter managed to successfully land on a small sand island, while wreckage from another was visible nearby.
Photos and videos by local media showed a logo for Sea World Helicopters, a local scenic tour and charter services company, on one of the aircraft.
“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,” Sea World Helicopters said in an emailed statement. “We are cooperating with all the authorities including the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and the Queensland Police.”
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has said it will investigate.