‘Unthinkable tragedy’: Four dead after helicopters crash near Sea World

Four people have died after two Sea World helicopters crashed midair, coming down in an area of the Gold Coast busy with boaties and beachgoers.

One of the helicopters, carrying seven people, plunged to the ground while the second, carrying six people, managed to land.

On board the first chopper, four people were killed and three passengers were critically injured and were taken to hospital in a critical condition.

Some occupants in the other helicopter also required medical attention.

Concerned members of the public rushed to a sandbank where the helicopters landed, desperate to free injured passengers from the wreckage.

Emergency services continued to respond to the incident late on Monday afternoon. Credit: Nine News

Nine News reported that investigators were racing against the tide on Tuesday as they try to get to the bottom of the collision. An incoming tide is set to swallow the remnants of the chopper this morning if it isn’t retrieved.

Nine News earlier reported that the pilot killed in the incident was Ashley Jenkinson, who left behind a grieving family.

Jenkinson’s online profiles list him as the chief pilot at Sea World Helicopters, where he has worked since August 2019.

Locals reported hearing a loud bang before witnessing the stricken aircraft hit the sandbank and break apart.

The Queensland Ambulance Service declared a “major incident” and deployed all available crews, including two medical helicopters.

Acting police inspector Gary Worrell said it was a “difficult scene” for emergency services to access.

Worrell said it appeared the helicopters crashed while one was taking off and the other was landing.

“One airframe (the main structure of the helicopter) has the windscreen removed and it’s landed safely on the sandbank,” he said.

“The other airframe has crashed and it was upside-down.

“Members of the public and police tried to remove the people and they commenced first aid to try and get those people to safety.”

Ambulance operations supervisor Jayney Shearman said responders identified 13 people on the helicopters.

“There were three critical patients who were treated and there were six with minor injuries. They were all transported through to hospital,” Shearman said.

“The critical injuries - there were a number of injuries of what we call multi-system trauma, which means that there was a lot of impact to the body.”

One child was airlifted to the Queensland Children’s Hospital and others were taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital.

“This is very traumatic and our thoughts and condolences go out to the families involved,” she said.

Police inspect a helicopter at the scene of a fatal crash near Sea World on the Gold Coast.Credit: AAP

“Our officers, this is a really trying day for them.”

Sea World Helicopters issued a statement on Monday afternoon, expressing the company’s shock at what had occurred.

“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,” a spokesman said.

“We are co-operating with all the authorities including the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and the Queensland Police.

Emergency service crews had to be ferried to the crash site.Credit: Nine News

“As it is now a police investigation we cannot provide any further information at this stage.”

Seaworld Drive at Main Beach was closed to facilitate the emergency response and ATSB investigators were due on site later on Monday.

Sea World had been welcoming back tourists after a lengthy downturn caused by pandemic travel restrictions.

Locals reported online they heard a loud bang and whooshing sound and saw a helicopter come down near the Sea World theme park.

“There were people on the beach where it fell! I know this as I was there and watched it all unfold,” Leah Allen wrote.

Renae Tiesler wrote: “We saw it coming down. Was terrifying.”

Dan Hargreaves wrote that he had been sitting across the Broadwater at a cafe when he saw the crash.

“Heard a loud bang, like something breaking and looked across the water to see it come down on the beach next to Sea World.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia was shocked by the news of the “terrible and tragic incident”.

“My thoughts are with all those affected, including first responders, and my deepest sympathies are with those who are grieving,” he said.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk extended her sympathies to those affected by what she described as a “terrible accident”.

“What has happened on the Gold Coast today is an unthinkable tragedy,” Palaszczuk said.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers also offered his condolences.

“The Broadwater is usually such a welcoming place, full of fun and families, but this afternoon it was the scene of unthinkable horror and sadness,” he said.

Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here.