The 57 year old woman and 65 year old man were married and have been named by media as Diane and Ron Hughes from Liverpool.
The other victims were 40 year old pilot Ash Jenkinson and 36 year Sydney mum Vanessa Tadros. Tardos’ son survived the crash and is currently in a critical condition in hospital.
Two other passengers, another mum and her son, survived the crash and both are in hospital.
The accident is believed to have happened when the helicopter Jenkins was flying collided with another as one was taking off and the other landing.
The other helicopter was able to safely land on the sandbank, with only five of its six passengers suffering minor injuries. It’s understood four New Zealanders were aboard this helicopter.
#BREAKING: Channel 9 has published video that shows the Gold Coast helicopter crash, though they’ve cut it off before the moment of impact
Families were waving to the passengers and witnessed the crash happen @6NewsAU pic.twitter.com/gkumxc3m7k
— Leonardo Puglisi (@Leo_Puglisi6) January 2, 2023
Australian Transport Safety Board Commissioner Angus Mitchell said an investigation into the accident was underway. ‘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’, Mitchell told media.
Sea World Helicopters, the helicopter company involved, said it would be closed ‘until further notice’.
