At least four people died and three others are critically injured after two helicopters collided on Australia’s Gold Coast near a Sea World theme park Monday.
Police also said the crash drew emergency aid from beachgoers who had been enjoying the water during the southern summer. Police official Gary Worrell said people on Jet Skis, family boaters and others rushed to help.
Queensland Police confirmed the crash via Twitter, but did not provide details. “Seaworld Drive in Main Beach has been closed off due to a helicopter crash. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to avoid the area,” the police department said in its tweet.
Australia’s media reported that Queensland Ambulance Service said 13 patients were being assessed. Police did however confirm that one of the helicopters was able to land successfully after the aircraft “came into contact with each other.”
Footage of the crash showed a helicopter shortly after takeoff being clipped by another helicopter flying over the water, according to the Associated Press.
Shortly after the crash, SBS News reported that four people were “feared dead” and another 13 injured in the incident.
“It is believed four people have been killed and two passengers critically injured, but authorities were unable to confirm more details in what the Queensland Ambulance Service called a ‘major incident’,” SBS stated.
