A tragic incident occurred in Queensland, Australia, where an unauthorized helicopter flight led to a crash on the roof of a hotel early Monday, resulting in the death of a man. The crash caused a fire to engulf the aircraft, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of people from the building. Authorities in Cairns are still investigating the pilot’s identity, reason for the flight, and how the tourist helicopter managed to take off from Cairns Airport.
A couple who were guests at the hotel were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation but have since been discharged. Fortunately, no one else on the ground was injured during the incident. There is uncertainty surrounding whether the pilot had a valid license or if he was affiliated with the helicopter’s owner, Nautilus Aviation.
Authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community and consider the incident to be isolated. Nautilus Aviation acknowledged that the flight was unauthorized but declined to provide further information. Cairns Airport confirmed that their security protocols were not compromised.
Following the crash, approximately 400 individuals were evacuated from the hotel located in a bustling tourist area of Cairns. Witnesses described the sound of the crash as similar to a bomb exploding. The hotel, Doubletree Hilton, remains off-limits as officials assess its structural safety. Smoke and flames emanated from the hotel roof, and a rotor blade from the helicopter landed in the hotel pool as reported by ABC news.
