By Oyintari Ben
Two helicopters collided in a “tragic accident” close to Sea World on the Gold Coast in Australia, leaving four people dead and three others in critical condition.
A helicopter crash on Main Beach has been confirmed by Queensland Police, and the neighbourhood has been closed off, and people warned not to go there.
On Monday at around 2 p.m. local time, witnesses reported that a helicopter dropped debris onto Broadwater on the Gold Coast before it crashed on a sandbank.
Additionally, someone reported seeing “two helicopters crash into each other” to the local media.
Another person said, “We heard a huge explosion and saw pieces of debris flying.”
Police have verified that three more individuals are fighting for their life and that four people died in the tragedy.
While other stories cite authorities as reporting that one of the helicopters was able to land while the other crashed, video appears to show the wreckage of at least one of the helicopters on a sandbank.
Emergency personnel flocked to the site, and it’s possible that three individuals died.
13 persons were reportedly receiving medical attention at the scene of a “serious event,” according to ambulance service personnel.
“GOLD COAST: Seaworld Drive in Main Beach has been cut off due to a helicopter crash,” the Queensland Police tweeted. The region is strongly advised for pedestrians and drivers to avoid.
Captain Matt Fitzpatrick of volunteer Marine Rescue Southport Duty reported that three units were dispatched to the scene.
He allegedly said, “There are several helicopters involved, and we do not know the state of people who were aboard.”
Queensland Ambulance Service tweeted: “Multiple QAS resources and other emergency services are on the scene of a major incident involving two helicopter at 1.59pm. No further details at this time.”
Later it added: “At the scene of the collision between two helicopters on Main Beach, thirteen people are now being examined. Please avoid the area.”
