Four people are believed to have been killed in a helicopter crash at the Panorama House function centre at Bulli Tops, north of Wollongong in NSW. Picture: Porteous Gregg Source: The Daily Telegraph
WORKERS at a restaurant south of Sydney battled unsuccessfully to rescue survivors and put out the flames after a helicopter crashed in their grounds today.
Four people are believed to have been killed when the Robinson R44 helicopter apparently hit a gum tree coming in to land at the cliff-top site.
The helicopter crashed about 50 metres from the centre in a clearing used for landing and take-off by sightseeing helicopters.
There have been a number of reports that a child was among those on board, although this has not been confirmed by NSW Police.
Superintendent Steven Baker, from Fire and Rescue NSW, said venue staff had used fire extinguishers to attempt to tackle the blazing wreckage before emergency services arrived.
"I think it's a very brave decision. They put their lives at risk in the attempt to save others," he said.
Acting Superintendent Tim Beattie, of NSW Police, said the staff had attempted to rescue some of those on board following the crash.
"I know there were a number of people in the venue who were shocked, it was a horrific experience they were witness to," he said.
Bankstown Helicopters has confirmed it is the registered operator of the Robinson R44 helicopter that crashed.
The helicopter was hired by a private pilot, chief pilot William Miller said in a statement.
A crime scene has been secured and a report will be prepared for the information of the NSW Coroner.
In 2012, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommended that R44 helicopters be fitted with redesigned fuel tanks, following a separate fatal crash involving that model on the NSW south coast.
The ATSB said the helicopters' standard aluminum fuel tanks increased the risk of fire after an accident and urged operators to install internal bladders designed to better resist post-accident fuel leaks.
Mr Miller refused to answer questions about whether this had been done.
Additional reporting: AAP
No comments:
Post a Comment