"Mateship in action": NZ survivors of helicopter crash praise Aussie compassion
Two couples from New Zealand who survived the deadly helicopter collision on the Gold Coast have shared their condolences for those who died during the accident.
Edward and Marle Swart along with Riaan and Elmarie Steenberg spoke of how the "fun five-minute joy ride on vacation to Australia turned into a nightmare" and said their "hearts are so heavy" for those who died in the other aircraft that fell to the ground.
"Our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the injured and the deceased and their families," they said in a joint statement released on Wednesday night.
"We are grateful and blessed to have been spared but very sad for the people who lost loved ones and the little ones and mum fighting for their lives in hospital.
"Our hearts are so heavy for them."
The couples also praised the 52-year-old pilot who managed to land their damaged helicopter safely "through all the chaos", while also commending the actions of witnesses who rushed to help on the scene.
"Our gratitude goes out to every bystander who ran to help, every police officer and emergency services personnel who helped us with our immediate needs keeping us calm and making us comfortable," they said.
"We saw mateship in action. Australians come together to help in time of need."
"We would like to extend our great thanks to the hospital staff taking care of us for their kindness and compassion during this traumatic experience."
The New Zealand couples, all in their 40s, were among the six people in the second helicopter who all survived the crash with minor injuries.
Four people on the first helicopter died while the remaining three survivors remain in hospital.
Image credits: Nine News