Horror helicopter collision in Australia leaves four dead

Four people have been killed and several others are in a critical condition following a collision between two helicopters near Sea World on the Gold Coast.

At least 13 people needed treatment following the collision, which occurred just before 2pm, local time. In addition to the four deaths, three passengers - a woman and two young boys - were taken to Gold Coast University Hospital.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday (2) afternoon, Queensland Police South Eastern Regional Duty Officer Gary Worrell confirmed the four deaths, adding that another three people remained critical in hospital.

“At about 2pm today, police and emergency services were called to a two-helicopter midair collision just opposite Sea World in the Broadwater,” he said.

“Those two aircraft have crashed and landed on the sand bank just out from Sea World resort.

“Police and emergency services and members of the public attended the incident. Those people were confronted with a significant incident and, as a result of that incident, four people have lost their lives today, and we have three others critical in hospital.

“The investigation is ongoing, there will be a report by police for the coroner, and also the Australian Transport Safety Bureau is leading an investigation.”

Images show both of the helicopters involved lying on the sand bar, having suffered serious damage, with emergency workers swarming around them. At least one aircraft bears the words “Sea World Helicopters”.

Three more passengers, a woman and two young boys, are in a critical condition and have been taken to Gold Coast University Hospital.

The pilot of the other helicopter, who was carrying five passengers, managed to land on a sandbank in the middle of the Broadwater, preventing any further deaths.