SYDNEY, Aug 12: In the early hours of Monday, a tragic helicopter crash in the northern Australian tourist town of Cairns resulted in the death of the pilot and the evacuation of hundreds of hotel guests.
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. (1600 GMT on Sunday) when a twin-engine helicopter collided with the roof of a hotel, sparking a fire and prompting an emergency response. Queensland state police confirmed the crash site was the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton, a popular accommodation in Cairns, a key gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
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Authorities swiftly responded to the scene, and while the pilot was pronounced dead on-site, no injuries were reported among hotel guests or staff. Two of the helicopter’s rotor blades detached during the crash, with one landing in the hotel’s pool, according to reports.
Forensic teams are currently working to formally identify the deceased pilot, and the forensic crash unit is collaborating with Australia’s transport safety regulator to investigate the cause of the accident.
Key Points
Location and Timing: A helicopter crashed into the roof of the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Cairns, Australia, around 2 a.m. on Monday (1600 GMT on Sunday).
Fatality: The pilot was killed in the crash; no injuries were reported among hotel guests or staff.
Emergency Response: The crash caused a fire, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of hotel guests. Emergency crews responded swiftly.
Damage: Two rotor blades from the helicopter detached, with one landing in the hotel’s pool.
Investigation: Forensic teams are working to identify the pilot, and an investigation is underway in collaboration with Australia’s transport safety regulator.
