Four people have been killed and three others are fighting for their lives after two helicopters collided near Sea World on the Gold Coast in Australia.
Queensland Police confirmed the crash on Main Beach with the area closed off and told people to avoid the area.
Witnesses said debris fell from a helicopter onto Broadwater on the Gold Coast before it crashed into a sandbank at around 2pm local time on Monday.
It is believed the two collided as one was taking off and the other landing at the SeaWorld helipad with witnesses telling local media they saw “two helicopters crash into each other”.
One witness said: “We heard a loud noise and saw bits of debris flying.”
Police confirmed four people died in the tragedy and that three others are fighting for their lives, reported 9News.com.au.
Another six people have lesser injuries, reported the news channel.
One person said the crash happened "just outside the theme park".
He said: "(I) didn't really know what it happened but there was a massive bang.
"They've closed that side of the park now so people can't look out the side into the water there. Pretty scary stuff actually."
Footage appears to show the wreckage of at least one of the helicopters on a sandbank with some reports quoting police as saying that one of the aircraft was able to land while the other crashed.
Gary Worrell, Queensland state police acting inspector, said: "Members of the public and police tried to remove the people and they commenced first aid and tried to get those people to safety from an airframe that was upside down.
"(People on) Jet Skis, family boaters, ordinary members of the public rushed to assist these people."
Ambulance service crews said 13 people were being treated at the scene of a "major incident".
Queensland Police tweeted: “GOLD COAST: Seaworld Drive in Main Beach has been closed off due to a helicopter crash. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to avoid the area.”
Volunteer Marine Rescue Southport Duty captain Matt Fitzpatrick said three units were dispatched to the scene.
He added: "There are multiple helicopters involved and we do not know the state of those who were aboard."
Queensland Ambulance Service tweeted: "Multiple QAS resources and other emergency services are on the scene of a major incident involving two helicopter at 1.59pm. No further details at this time.
"Thirteen patients are being assessed at the scene were two helicopters have collided on #MainBeach. Please avoid the area."
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into the fatal crash.
They said in a statement: "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.
"Investigators will also recover any relevant components for further examination at the ATSB's technical facilities in Canberra, gather any available recorded data for analysis, and interview witnesses and other involved parties."
A Sea World Helicopters spokesperson said the company was shocked by the incident.
They said: "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."
