Two Brits are among four people who were killed in a mid-air crash between two helicopters in Australia.
Queensland Police were called to the Gold Coast, near the Sea World theme park, at 2pm local time following reports of a crash between two helicopters. Police have confirmed one aircraft was taking off and the other was landing when the incident happened.
The four people who died in the crash were travelling in the same helicopter. Three other passengers are in a critical condition.
READ MORE: 57 tributes, death and funeral notices from across Merseyside
The UK Foreign Office [FCDO] confirmed to The ECHO two British nationals are among those who died.
An FCDO spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of two British nationals who died in Australia and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Five of the six people on the second helicopter suffered minor injuries. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating the crash.
ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell asked eyewitnesses who saw the collision or the helicopters in flight to contact investigators. A preliminary report will be made public in the next six to eight weeks, with a final report to follow once the investigation is complete, he added.
Gary Worrell of the Queensland Police Service said: "It's a difficult scene, Due to the area it's located, on the sand bank, it was difficult to gain access, to get our emergency services to the scene to manage it appropriately."
Images from the site show debris all over the beach and a mangled helicopter apparently lying upside down opposite the Seaworld resort. The other helicopter has the marine park's logo on.
According to the Seaworld website the park offers sightseeing helicopter flights for tourists, as well as carrying out other charter operations.
READ NEXT
Man dies and two seriously injured in New Year's Day smash
Elle Edwards sister's tribute to 'best friend' and 'soul mate'
Liverpool's rat league - the parts of the city with the worst rodent problems
I visited Matta's for the first time and this is what £10 got me
12 of the most high profile trials due to take place in 2023
