A helicopter on an unauthorized flight crashed into a Hilton hotel roof in Cairns, killing the pilot. The crash forced hundreds of guests to evacuate due to the blaze. As authorities work to uncover what led to the Cairns hotel crash. #CairnsHotelCrash
Emergency crews responded at around 2 a.m. after the twin-engine helicopter struck the hotel roof. The impact ignited a fire in part of the structure. As a result, authorities evacuated the building, stated Queensland state police.
Police said the helicopter had been taken from its hangar at Cairns airport for an “unauthorised flight”, but did not elaborate. The pilot, who has yet to be identified and was flying alone, was declared dead at the scene.
Police confirmed the flight was an isolated incident with no threat to public safety. They remain unclear about the pilot’s intent and how the aircraft was obtained.
The crash happened at Hilton’s DoubleTree Hotel in Cairns, a gateway city to the Great Barrier Reef. Reception staff confirmed the hotel stayed closed at 5:30 p.m. They relocated guests to other accommodations.
A man in his 80s and a woman in her 70s received discharge after hospital treatment. Two helicopter rotor blades detached during the crash. One blade landed in the hotel pool.
Additionally, nearby residents expressed their shock and disbelief at the incident. Moving forward, aviation experts will be closely involved in examining the helicopter’s flight path and maintenance records. #CairnsHotelCrash
Moreover, this tragedy prompted an urgent investigation into the cause of the crash.
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