A helicopter crash into the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Cairns, Queensland, has claimed the life of its pilot and caused chaos among the hundreds of guests who were evacuated in the early hours of Monday morning. The incident occurred around 01:50 am local time, when the helicopter struck the hotel’s roof, triggering a fire and sending debris across the area.
Authorities confirmed that the pilot, who was the sole occupant, died at the scene. Two hotel guests, an elderly man and woman, were transported to the hospital in stable condition.
Eyewitnesses described the harrowing moments leading up to the crash, with one hotel guest, Amanda Kay, recounting how the helicopter appeared to be flying unusually low and without lights in poor weather conditions before it collided with the building. Another bystander captured the chaotic aftermath on video, describing the helicopter as “out of control” and “unbelievable.”
The impact of the crash was felt by many in the hotel, with reports of a “colossal ear-deafening bang” and pieces of the helicopter, including rotor blades, scattered around the vicinity. One blade landed in the hotel pool, while another was mistaken for a lamppost by a shocked guest.
Emergency services, including the Queensland Ambulance Service, responded quickly, with streets around the hotel cordoned off as authorities declared an emergency situation. Queensland Police and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau have launched investigations into the crash, with initial reports indicating that the helicopter was on an “unauthorised” flight.
Nautilus Aviation, the company that operates the helicopter, has pledged full cooperation with authorities as they investigate the circumstances leading to this tragic incident. Cairns, a city known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, remains in shock as the investigation unfolds.
