A tragic incident occurred in Cairns, Australia, as a helicopter crashed onto the roof of a seaside hotel in the early hours of Monday, resulting in the death of the pilot. The luxury DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, located near Cairns Esplanade, was the site of the crash, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of guests and staff into the street.
Authorities have cordoned off the area in the popular tourist strip, and investigations are underway regarding the 'unauthorized use' of the helicopter belonging to charter company Nautilus Aviation. Eyewitnesses described the harrowing moment when the helicopter, flying at full speed, veered towards the hotel and collided with the building, causing a fire on the rooftop.
Fortunately, all hotel guests and staff were safely evacuated, with no reported injuries among them. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the helicopter, was tragically declared dead at the scene. Witnesses recounted the helicopter's low flight over the water and its subsequent collision with the hotel, highlighting the pilot's apparent misjudgment of the surrounding buildings.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns confirmed that alternative accommodation arrangements were being made for the evacuated guests and staff. The hotel is cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation, which includes the forensic crash unit and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).
The ATSB has urged anyone with photos or videos of the helicopter before the crash to come forward and assist in the investigation. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, an exclusion zone has been established around the crash site to ensure public safety.
