British couple among four killed in Australia helicopter crash named as Diane and Ron Hughes
A British couple who were among four people killed when two helicopters collided in Australia have been named.
Diane and Ron Hughes, 57 and 65, were from Liverpool and married in 2021.
The crash happened on the Gold Coast – not far from Sea World in the state of Queensland – at about 2pm local time on Monday.
Diane and Ron Hughes
Initial investigations suggest one helicopter taking off, which contained seven people, collided with another helicopter landing, which contained six people.
Mr and Mrs Hughes were on the helicopter with seven people on board. The 40-year-old pilot and a 36-year-old woman also died.
Queensland Police said the British couple were on holiday.
A 10-year-old boy is in a critical condition, while a 33-year-old woman and a nine-year-old boy are seriously injured.
The helicopter coming into land “remarkably” landed upright, despite damage to the front left section, where the pilot was sitting.
Five people sustained minor injuries, while the sixth was uninjured.
Diane Hughes’ brother, Dave Boyce, wrote on Facebook: “For those who don’t know my sister and her husband were involved in the helicopter crash on the Gold Coast yesterday.
“We would also like to thank you all for the love and support we have received. We are truly humbled at this heartbreaking time.”
“Australia is shocked by the news of the terrible and tragic helicopter incident today on the Gold Coast,” said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a tweet.
“My thoughts are with all those affected, including first responders, and my deepest sympathies are with those who are grieving.”
A witness told Melbourne radio station 3AW there was a “massive, massive bang” and staff at the theme park moved quickly to close off areas closest to the crash.
“It was just huge. I’m not sure if it was the propellers or whatever hitting against each other. But there was this poor lady and her son near the helipad in tears.”
Australian Transport Safety Bureau chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said the incident was a “tragic start to the new year”.
He explained that the main rotors of the helicopter taking off collided with the landing helicopter around 200m in the air, causing considerable damage to the front section.
During the process, the rotor blade and gearbox detached from the main body of the aircraft.
Mr Mitchell told reporters: “We are very fortunate that we’re not standing here with far more deaths.”
A sandbank made it difficult for emergency service workers to access the site of the crash.
Sea World Helicopters, a separate company from the theme park, expressed its condolences, saying it was “devastated” and was cooperating in the investigation.
A statement read: “We and the entire flying community are devastated by what has happened and our sincere condolences go to all those involved and especially the loved ones and family of the deceased.”
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir Starmer to sack Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq over allegations she lived in properties linked to allies of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh.
It comes after the current Bangladeshi leader, Muhammad Yunus, said London properties used by Ms Siddiq should be investigated.
He told the Sunday Times the properties should be handed back to his government if they were acquired through “plain robbery”.
Tory leader Ms Badenoch said: “It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq.
“He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is accused herself of corruption.
“Now the government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina.”
Ms Siddiq insists she has “done nothing wrong”.
Her aunt was ousted from office in August following an uprising against her 20-year leadership and fled to India.
Ms Siddiq is also named with her aunt in Bangladesh court documents about meetings with the Russian government.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir to sack the minister
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Ten Reform councillors quit in protest
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As economic secretary to the Treasury, Ms Siddiq is responsible for policy on both the City and tackling corruption.
She referred herself to the prime minister’s ethics watchdog on Monday following the reports about the properties.
On the same day, the prime minister said: “Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she’s now done, and that’s why we brought into being the new code.
“It’s to allow ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts, and yes, I’ve got confidence in her, and that’s the process that will now be happening.”
Police in Aberdeen have widened the search area for two sisters who disappeared four days ago in the city.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32, were last seen on CCTV on Market Street after leaving their home on Tuesday at around 2.12am.
The sisters – who are part of a set of triplets and originally from Hungary – crossed the Victoria Bridge to the Torry area and turned right on to a footpath next to the River Dee.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti were last seen on CCTV in Market Street. Pic: Police Scotland/PA
They headed in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club but officers said there is no evidence to suggest the missing women left the immediate area.
Specialist search teams, police dogs and a marine unit have been trying to trace the pair.
The sisters crossed Victoria Bridge before walking along a footpath next to the River Dee
The pair were heading in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club on the south side of the River Dee
Further searches are being carried out towards the Port of Aberdeen’s South Harbour and Duthie Park.
Police Scotland said it is liaising with authorities in Hungary to support the relatives of the two sisters.
Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: “Eliza and Henrietta’s family are understandably extremely worried about them and we are working tirelessly to find them.
“We are seriously concerned about them and have significant resources dedicated to the inquiry.”
The sisters, from Aberdeen city centre, are described as slim with long brown hair.
Henrietta Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Eliza Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Officers have requested businesses in and around the South Esplanade and Menzies Road area to review their CCTV footage for the early morning of Tuesday 7 January.
Police added they are keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from that time.
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