The first investigations suggest that one of the aircraft was trying to land while the other was taking off | Another six people would have been affected with minor injuries
At least four people have lost their lives and three others are seriously injured when two helicopters collided mid-air on a beach on the Gold Coast, in eastern Australia, authorities reported Monday.
Commissioner Gary Worrell, of the Queensland State Police, indicated in a press conference broadcast on social networks that another six people would have been affected with minor injuries.
The accident happened around 2:00 p.m. local time (4:00 GMT) in a long beach near the Sea World entertainment complex, during the high season of tourism in the oceanic country.
“Rescue teams and volunteers rushed in to rescue some of the victims”Worrell pointed out when thanking the action of the people who helped after the accident.
Australia’s Department for Safety and Transport said it has opened an investigation to determine the cause of the incident, while initial inquiries suggest that one of the aircraft was landing and the other was taking off when the collision occurred.