World News

Helicopter Crashes into Cairns Hotel, Pilot Killed

Story Highlights
  • Helicopter crashed into the roof of hotel
  • Emergency services responded to the scene
  • Pilot died tragically

A pilot tragically lost their life early Monday morning after a helicopter crashed into the roof of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in the northern Queensland city of Cairns.

The incident occurred around 1:50 am local time, igniting a fire and prompting the evacuation of hundreds of guests.

Emergency services responded to the scene, where they confirmed the pilot’s fatal injuries.

Two hotel guests, an elderly couple, were transported to the hospital with stable conditions.

Witnesses described a terrifying ordeal, with one person recounting seeing the helicopter flying exceptionally low without lights in rainy conditions before it collided with the building and exploded.

Another witness reported seeing the aircraft circle the hotel twice prior to the crash.

The helicopter’s rotor blades detached upon impact, scattering across the esplanade and into the hotel pool.

Queensland Police and aviation authorities are investigating the circumstances of the crash. The helicopter charter company has confirmed the flight was unauthorized.

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