Four dead after mid-air collision involving Sea World helicopters

Four people have died after two helicopters collided in mid-air on the Gold Coast Broadwater today, with three more in a critical condition in hospital.

Video of the collision showed that it involved at least one helicopter from Sea World, with witnesses saying one helicopter was coming into land and the other was taking off.

After the collision one helicopter plunged to earth face down while the other managed to successfully land on a sandbank outside the Sea World resort.

Queensland Police Service acting Inspector Gary Worrell advised that all of those who died or were seriously injured were from the same helicopter.

The Australian Transport and Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating the collision and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

In a statement, ATSB Chief Commissioner, Angus Mitchell advised "the ATSB has commenced a transport safety investigation into the fatal mid-air collision involving two helicopters on Monday afternoon.

"Transport safety investigators with experience in helicopter operations, maintenance and survivability engineering are deploying from the ATSB's Brisbane and Canberra offices and are expected to begin arriving at the accident site from Monday afternoon.

"During the evidence gathering phase of the investigation, ATSB investigators will examine the wreckage and map the accident site."

A spokesperson for Sea World Helicopters confirmed both aircraft belonged to the company.

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.

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 2, 2023

The spokesperson stated "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.

"We are cooperating with all the authorities including the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and the Queensland Police. As it is now a police investigation we cannot provide any further information at this stage."

A later statement from Sea World owner Village Roadshow Theme Parks advised “VRTP offers its deepest condolences to all those impacted by today’s helicopter tragedy in the Southport Broadwater.

“While Sea World Helicopters is an independent professional operator, VRTP is working with emergency services and the authorities to provide every possible assistance.

“We are providing support to our team members who have been emotionally affected by the tragedy.”

The VRTP statement also noted that as the incident was being investigated by Queensland Police it “cannot provide any further information at this stage.”

After the incident parts of the theme park were shut down so guests couldn’t look out at the crash site.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted a message of condolences to the victims.

The crash comes almost 32 years after a flight from Sea World ended in tragedy when a helicopter crashed into the beach on South Stradbroke Island, exploding into flames, killing all seven on board.

At the time, the 1991 crash was described as the worst helicopter crash in Australian history.

Five years later, two Black Hawk helicopters collided mid-air during a counter-terrorism training exercise in Townsville, killing 18 men in Australia's worst peacetime military aviation disaster.

Article amended 11pm, 2nd January 2023 to include statement from VRTP.

Image: The two Sea World helicopters immediately before today's collision. Credit: Twitter/anon.