A deadly mid-air collision took the lives of four people on January 2, 2023. The startling crash happened near the Sea World theme park, and over a beach resort on Australia’s Gold Coast.
In addition to killing four people, the collision also critically injured three others.
According to Queensland State Police Acting Inspector Gary Worrell, one of the helicopters was taking off and the other was descending when they collided over a popular tourist attraction, shocking onlookers.
One of the helicopters landed safely but the other threw debris across the beach and water.
The people who died, and the three of the critically injured, were on the helicopter that crashed. The collision took the lives of the pilot and three of its six passengers, all of whom were between the ages of 35 and 65.
A 10-year-old boy was said to be in critical condition, a nine-year-old boy was in stable condition, and a 33-year-old woman was reportedly in critical but stable condition.
Worrell said that several beachgoers tried to help the police rescue people and get them away from the wreckage of the helicopter. There were people on jet skis and boats that assisted in the rescue mission.
Two British citizens, believed to be a couple, were among the deceased.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the accident was terrible and tragic and that the country was shocked by it. He sympathized with the grieving families and said everyone affected by the tragedy was in his thoughts.
SeaWorld Helicopters, which operates both helicopters, released a statement saying that the company was devastated by the tragedy and offered condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. They announced that they would be closed until further notice and would refund all tickets bought.
The Australian Gold Coast’s tourist period is currently in its peak season, with many students on summer break.