Four of the survivors of the deadly Gold Coast helicopter crash have released photos of the aftermath of the tragedy as they say they are still struggling to come to terms with what happened.
New Zealand couples Marle and Edward Swart, and Elmarie and Riaan Steenberg, were on board the descending helicopter that was hit by one that had just taken off, last Monday.
The ascending helicopter crashed into the ground, killing four people on board, including pilot Ash Jenkinson, and injuring three other passengers. The Swarts and Steenbergs posted several images of the aftermath of the accident and their recovery at the hospital. (The Swart and Steenberg families)
Michael James, who piloted the helicopter carrying the Swarts and Steenbergs, managed to land safely, although Marle Swart and Elmarie Steenberg were injured.
Today, the four New Zealanders issued a collective statement.
“We want to express our deepest condolences and our sincerest condolences to the injured, dead and their families,” they said.
“Our hearts are deeply saddened by the loss. This has been traumatic for us as survivors, and we cannot imagine the terrible sadness their families and loved ones must be feeling.”
Elmarie Steenberg and Marle Swart in hospital after Gold Coast helicopter tragedy. (Swart and Steenberg families)
The four also thanked many who had helped them, including “hero” pilot James, and many others whose names they said they did not know, such as bystanders who rushed to their aid and emergency personnel and doctor who helped them.
“His care and heroism changed our lives,” the statement said.
The four also said they were deeply touched by the support and care of strangers after the tragedy.
“The reality of the events of the last five days is sinking in and it’s a very heavy weight,” they said.
Along with the statement, the four survivors released a series of images, both of the aftermath of the crash and the immediate recovery, with their permission to post them.
Many are too graphic to be published, but show Elmarie and Marle holding bloody hands after the helicopter came to rest on the sandbar.
All four hailed pilot Michael James as a “hero”. (Supplied)
Others show the victims with bloodied legs sitting next to seawater as onlookers approach them.
The four said they would continue to assist the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and Queensland Police with their investigation into the incident as required.
They are heading home to New Zealand, where Elmarie and Marle will continue their long recovery.
Meanwhile, the tributes at the Gold Coast crash site continue to mount
The city council has confirmed that they will stay for at least a few weeks.
A permanent memorial could also be on the table, with the state government saying it will wait for the investigation to finish and speak to the families involved before a decision is made.