Four people have died and three others are fighting for their lives after two helicopters collided mid-air on the Gold Coast near Sea World.
Air crash investigators confirmed they were investigating the fatal crash as six other people were being treated for minor injuries this afternoon.
Queensland Police Inspector Gary Worrell said four people died and three others were taken to hospital by helicopter.
Two helicopters have collided on the Costa Daurada, killing four people. (9 News)
The six minor injuries came from the other helicopter, which managed to land successfully after the aircraft “came into contact” at about 2pm (3pm AEDT) today, he said.
Speaking at about 4:30 p.m., Worrell said critical patients had only just arrived at the hospital.
He thanked the citizens who tried to help right after the accident.
“One airframe had its windshield removed and landed safely on the island,” Worrell said.
“The other cell had crashed and was upside down.
“Members of the public and police tried to pull people out and started first aid and tried to get these people out of the cell that was upside down.”
The regional duty officer said it was too early to say what caused the crash, but it appeared one helicopter was taking off while the other was landing.
Footage of the incident recorded by a witness appeared to confirm this, while other footage showed debris strewn across a sand island close to the coast.
Worrell said the location made it difficult for emergency services to access and thanked citizens who rushed to help.
Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman Jayney Shearman said six patients who suffered minor injuries, mainly glass shards from the impact, were also taken to hospital.
Severely injured people suffered from “multisystem trauma, meaning there was a lot of impact on the body.”
“This is very traumatic, and certainly our thoughts and condolences go out to the families of all involved,” he said.
“Our officers, this is a very difficult day for them.
“We have really great systems and support systems and we will be debriefing today for all the officers involved.”
Police said two helicopters “came into contact”, with one landing safely and the other crashing into a sandbank. (9 News)
The witness heard a “massive bank”.
John, who did not give his last name, told Nine 4BC radio station that the accident happened “just outside the theme park”.
“(I) didn’t really know what happened, but there was a massive explosion,” he said.
“And yes, they’ve now closed off that side of the park so people can’t look into the water.
“Pretty scary stuff actually.”
John said he saw a woman and her son “crying” at the Sea World helipad.
9News weather reporter Luke Bradnam said he saw “ambulance after ambulance” rushing to the “tragic” and “unexpected” incident.
“We see so many helicopters in the air here on the Gold Coast Broadwater, but in my memory, I don’t remember anything like that ever happening,” he told the radio station.
Air crash experts launch an investigation
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has opened an investigation into the fatal crash.
“Transport safety investigators with experience in helicopter operations, maintenance and survivability engineering are being deployed from the ATSB’s Brisbane and Canberra offices and are expected to begin arriving at the crash site in from Monday afternoon,” the ATSB said in a statement.
“During the evidence-gathering phase of the investigation, ATSB investigators will examine the wreckage and map the crash site.
“Investigators will also recover relevant components for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra, collect recorded data available for analysis and interview witnesses and other involved parties.”
Emergency services are closing Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, and asking pedestrians and drivers to avoid the area.
Images from the scene show debris strewn across a sandy island near the coast.
A spokesman for Sea World Helicopters said the company was shocked by the incident.
“We and the entire flying community are devastated by what has happened and our sincere condolences go out to all involved and especially to the loved ones and family of the deceased,” the spokesman said.
“We are co-operating with all authorities, including the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and Queensland Police.
“As this is now a police investigation, we are unable to provide any further information at this stage.”
The ATSB asked anyone who saw or filmed the incident to contact witness@atsb.gov.au