Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Australia: 4 Dead after Helicopters Collide over Gold Coast


Mon 02 Jan 2023 | 06:26 PM
Israa Farhan

On Monday, Four people died after two helicopters collided while flying over the Gold Coast in Australia.

Police said at least three people were in critical condition, while several others were injured.

One of the helicopters was left upside down on a patch of sand, while the other managed to land successfully, albeit with a damaged windshield.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau described the incident as a "mid-air collision" and launched an investigation.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk mentioned that the incident was an "unthinkable tragedy".

"My deepest sympathies are with each of the families and everyone affected by this terrible accident," she said on Monday.

Queensland Ambulance Service explained that paramedics had treated at least 13 people at the scene.

Helicopter debris was strewn over Main Beach, a northern suburb of the Gold Coast that is home to the Sea World theme park and park. It is not related to the American park of the same name.

Police cordoned off Sea World Drive near the crash site, but the site itself remained open.

According to ABC News, the Sea World Helicopters logo was visible on the helicopter, which landed successfully.

Sea World Helicopters operates as a separate entity from the theme park. The company said in a statement that it was cooperating with authorities but added that it could not comment on specific details.

January is the peak holiday period in Australia, and when the Gold Coast is at its busiest. Queensland is famous for its beaches and is home to several large theme parks.