A pilot has died after the helicopter they were flying crashed into the roof of a hotel in a popular Australian tourist town in Queensland.
Pilot Dies in Helicopter Crash on Hotel Roof in Cairns
Helicopter Crash at Australian Hotel Roof Claims Pilot’s Life A pilot has been killed after their helicopter crashed into the roof of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Cairns, northern Queensland, Australia, during an “unauthorized” early morning flight. The incident occurred around 1:50 AM local time on Monday (6:50 PM BST Sunday), igniting a fire and prompting the evacuation of hundreds of hotel guests.
Authorities have confirmed that the pilot, the sole occupant of the helicopter, died at the scene. Two hotel guests—a man in his 80s and a woman in her 70s—were taken to the hospital but are reported to be in stable condition.
Local media reports suggest the helicopter may have been stolen. Nautilus Aviation, the helicopter’s owner, stated that they are cooperating with Queensland authorities to investigate the “unauthorized use” of their aircraft.
Amanda Kay, a hotel guest, described witnessing the helicopter flying unusually low without lights in rainy weather before it collided with the building. She recounted seeing the helicopter “blow up” upon impact. Another witness reported seeing the helicopter fly past the hotel twice before the crash, noting its out-of-control speed.
The crash caused two of the helicopter’s rotor blades to detach, with one landing on the esplanade and the other in the hotel pool, according to the Queensland Ambulance Service. Spokeswoman Caitlin Dennings mentioned that the crash sounded like an explosion, causing confusion and panic among hotel occupants.
Tourist Alastair Salmon, who was evacuated from the hotel along with around 400 others, described the incident as a “colossal ear-deafening bang.” He initially mistook one of the rotor blades for a lamppost before noticing the extensive damage to the building.
Police have cordoned off the streets around the hotel, and an emergency situation has been declared. Both Queensland Police and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau are investigating the crash.
Cairns, located in northern Queensland, is a popular tourist destination known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.
