Unauthorized Helicopter Crash in Cairns Hotel Kills Pilot, Injures Two, Evacuates 400

Aug 12, 2024, 01:30 AM

A helicopter crashed into the roof of the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Cairns City, Australia, early Monday morning, resulting in the death of the pilot. The incident, which occurred during an unauthorized and unplanned flight, led to a massive fireball and the evacuation of up to 400 guests and staff. The crash happened shortly after 2 a.m., and emergency services responded promptly to the scene. Two hotel guests sustained injuries due to the crash. Witnesses described the sound as 'sounded like a bomb.' The hotel, located in a popular tourist area in Far North Queensland, was temporarily evacuated as a precautionary measure.