Gold Coast, Australia: Two helicopters collide in ‘fatal’ crash on Australia’s Gold Coast, authorities say

CNN
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Emergency services are at the scene of a major incident involving two helicopters which collided near the popular tourist strip of Main Beach on Australia’s Gold Coast, south of Brisbane, first responders say.

The Queensland Ambulance Service said on Twitter that 13 patients were being assessed at the scene.

Queensland Police said initial inquiries indicated the helicopters collided at around 2pm local time on Monday and one may have subsequently landed.

Angus Mitchell, chief commissioner of the Australian Transport Safety Board (ATSB), said in a statement that an investigation had been opened into the “fatal mid-air collision”, but did not provide further information on the victims.

Investigators from ATSB offices in Brisbane and Canberra will be deployed to the scene to collect evidence, examine the wreckage and map the site, as well as interview witnesses and parties involved, Mitchell added.

He asked people who witnessed the crash or saw the helicopters in flight to contact investigators. A preliminary report will be released within the next six to eight weeks, with a final report once the investigation is complete, according to the statement.

Photos from the site show debris lying on a strip of sand, with personnel gathered on land and numerous vessels in the surrounding waters.

Police said Sea World Drive had been closed to traffic and urged motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area.

Sea World Drive is the main access point to the tourist-loved marine park in the heart of the Gold Coast. It’s peak tourist season in the region right now, with schools closed for the long summer holidays.

CNN has contacted Sea World for comment.

This is a developing story.