One of the helicopters crashed and four passengers on board were declared dead at the scene, while three others were critically injured and were transported to a hospital, police said.
The other helicopter, which was carrying six passengers, landed on a sandbank, according to police. Five of the passengers were taken to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries, and one person was not physically injured, they said.
The Queensland Ambulance Service said eight people were taken to Gold Coast University Hospital and one person was taken to Queensland Children’s Hospital. Police told journalists at the site that it was initially difficult for emergency services to access the sandbank and reach those injured or killed in the crash.
Authorities did not reveal the names or ages of the victims.
#FinalUpdate – Eight patients were transported to Gold Coast University Hospital, and one patient was transported to Queensland Children’s Hospital following the earlier incident at #MainBeach.
— Queensland Ambulance (@QldAmbulance) January 2, 2023
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation cited an unnamed spokesperson for Sea World Helicopters as confirming that it owned both helicopters involved in the crash.
“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,” the spokesperson said, adding that Sea World Helicopters is cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation. The company did not respond to a Monday night request for comment from The Washington Post.
Village Roadshow Theme Parks, which operates Sea World, said that Sea World Helicopters is an independent operator, but that it is working with authorities and supporting “team members who have been emotionally affected by the tragedy.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk called it an “unthinkable tragedy.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the nation “is shocked by the news of the terrible and tragic helicopter incident today on the Gold Coast.”
“My thoughts are with all those affected, including first responders, and my deepest sympathies are with those who are grieving,” he added.
The Queensland Police’s Forensic Crash Unit and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau are investigating the incident.
Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said in a statement that the ATSB will publish a preliminary report about its findings in about six to eight weeks, and a final report will come later.
“However, should any critical safety issues be identified at any stage during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate safety action can be taken,” Mitchell said.
