LAST UPDATE | 3 Jan 2023

FOUR PEOPLE HAVE died in a mid-air crash between two helicopters in Australia, including a British couple who were on holiday there.

Diane and Ron Hughes, aged 57 and 65 respectively, died in the incident which happened at around 2pm local time – 4am GMT – yesterday in Main Beach.

A spokesman for the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a statement: “We are supporting the family of two British nationals who died in Australia and are in contact with the local authorities.”

The crash occurred around 2pm local time (4am GMT) in Main Beach.

The force said initial investigations indicated the collision occurred when one helicopter was taking off and the other was landing.

One landed safely on a sandbank with five of its six passengers suffering minor injuries.

The other helicopter crashed, killing four of those inside and leaving three critically injured.

Police said the other victims were the 40-year-old pilot and a 36-year-old woman from the neighbouring state of New South Wales.

Mrs Hughes’ brother Dave Boyce wrote on Facebook: “For those who don’t know my sister and her husband were involved in the helicopter crash on the Gold Coast yesterday.

“We would also like to thank you all for the love and support we have received. We are truly humbled at this heartbreaking time.”

The force said “initial investigations” indicate the collision occurred when one helicopter was taking off and the other was landing.

ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said it was a “remarkable achievement” there were not more deaths.

He said: “The second helicopter coming in to land has remarkably managed to land upright, and considering the damage that was done to the front left-hand section of that helicopter where the pilot was sitting, that’s a remarkable achievement.

“Whilst it has been very tragic that four people have lost their lives and many families are in mourning, we could have had a far worse situation.”

Mitchell said the “evidence collection phase” of the ATSB’s investigation would take about six to eight weeks.

He added: “A final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation; however, should any critical safety issues be identified at any stage during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate safety action can be taken.”

Sea World Helicopters, the helicopter company involved, said it would be closed “until further notice”.

A message on the company’s website said: “Sea World Helicopters is devastated by the tragic accident which happened on the Gold Coast on the 2nd January.

“Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to all those involved over this very sad time. We are closed until further notice and will refund all tickets purchased.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his thoughts were with those affected by the incident.

Australia is shocked by the news of the terrible and tragic helicopter incident today on the Gold Coast.

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

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 2, 2023

“Australia is shocked by the news of the terrible and tragic helicopter incident today on the Gold Coast,” he said in a tweet.

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

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk tweeted that it was an “unthinkable tragedy”.

She said: “My deepest sympathies are with each of the families and everyone affected by this terrible accident.”