A 36-year-old woman from Glenmore Park was among those killed in yesterday’s tragic helicopter crash near Sea World on the Gold Coast.
The woman is Vanessa Tadros, also known as Vanessa Gaegea.
A 10-year-old boy believed to be the woman’s son was seriously injured and remains in hospital in a critical condition and has undergone multiple surgeries.
Four people died in the holiday tragedy when two helicopters collided near the popular tourist destination yesterday afternoon.
The other fatalities were a couple in their 50s and 60s travelling from overseas, and a pilot employed by Sea World who was in charge of one of the choppers that crashed. He was 40.
It is understood Tadros is related to the couple.
Initial investigations indicate the crash occurred when one helicopter was landing and another was taking off near Sea world Drive in Main Beach.
Four have died and three are critical after two helicopters collide near Sea World on the Gold Coast in QLD, Australia #helicoptercrash pic.twitter.com/jauUPXCubS
— News Media Network (@NewsMediaNetAU) January 2, 2023
One of the helicopters managed to successfully land on a sandbank.
The aircraft which crashed had seven occupants, including the pilot.
Operation Victor Sandlewood comprising Gold Coast Criminal Investigation Branch Detectives and the Forensic Crash Unit is assisting the Australian Transport Safety Bureau with investigations.
An appeal for witnesses, especially those who have video of the crash, and who have not yet spoken to investigators remains current.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
