Two UK citizens were among four people killed in a mid-air crash between two helicopters on Australia’s Gold Coast.
The crash occurred around 2pm local time (4am GMT) on Monday in Main Beach, Queensland Police said in a statement.
The force said that “initial investigations” indicate that the collision occurred when one helicopter was taking off and the other was landing.
One of the helicopters was able to safely land on the sandbank, with only five of its six passengers suffering minor injuries.
Australia 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.Advertisement— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 2, 2023
However, the other helicopter crashed, killing four of those inside, and leaving a further three critically injured.
The forensic crash unit is investigating the incident with help from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a statement: “We are supporting the family of two British nationals who died in Australia and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said his thoughts were with those affected by the incident.
“Australia is shocked by the news of the terrible and tragic helicopter incident today on the Gold Coast,” he said in a tweet.
“My thoughts are with all those affected, including first responders, and my deepest sympathies are with those who are grieving.”
What has happened on the Gold Coast today is an unthinkable tragedy. My deepest sympathies are with each of the families and everyone affected by this terrible accident.
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) January 2, 2023
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Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk tweeted that it was an “unthinkable tragedy”.
“My deepest sympathies are with each of the families and everyone affected by this terrible accident.”
