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| Debris from a helicopter is seen after it crashed into the roof of the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Cairns, Australia, on August 12, 2024 |
Helicopter Crashes Into Hilton Hotel
Authorities are still trying to identify the helicopter pilot who tragically lost his life when the aircraft crashed into the roof of a luxury hotel in Cairns, Australia, during an “unauthorized flight” early Monday morning.
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The incident prompted the evacuation of hundreds of guests and staff from the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, located near the popular Cairns Esplanade. The helicopter collided with the building, causing a fire, and sending two guests on the top floor to the hospital with minor injuries. The impact shattered windows, and images captured the damage left behind.
Queensland Police acting assistant commissioner Shane Holmes confirmed the flight was unauthorized but refrained from commenting on whether the helicopter was stolen or if the crash was intentional, stating that all possibilities are being investigated.
Nautilus Aviation, the company that owns the helicopter, is cooperating with authorities as they look into the unauthorized use of the aircraft. Angus Mitchell, chief commissioner of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), indicated that the helicopter likely took off from Cairns Airport’s general aviation hangar, located about 3 miles from the crash site.
Mitchell mentioned that visibility was poor at the time, possibly due to rain, and investigators are working to determine the helicopter’s equipment and its intended purpose during the flight.
Veronica Knight, a witness from Sydney visiting Cairns, described seeing the helicopter flying low over the water at high speed. After losing sight of it briefly, she saw it return and head directly towards the nearby illuminated buildings. Seconds later, it crashed into the hotel’s roof.
Police received reports of the crash at 1:50 a.m., and the resulting fire led to the immediate evacuation of the hotel. Knight noted that guests appeared shocked as they exited the building. Her footage shows flames and smoke rising from the hotel, with sirens echoing in the background.
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The pilot, who was the only person on board, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Knight remarked that the helicopter flew over trees and another taller building before striking the seven-story hotel. She speculated that the pilot was likely aware of the nearby structures, which added to the mystery of why the helicopter hit the lower building.
In a statement, DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns confirmed that all 421 adults, 50 children, and two staff members were safely evacuated. The hotel is working with authorities and arranging alternative accommodations for guests affected by the incident.
An exclusion zone was established around the area, and authorities urged the public to avoid the site. The forensic crash unit and the ATSB have launched investigations, with the ATSB sending a team to gather evidence and conduct interviews. The bureau also asked anyone with photos or videos of the helicopter to share them through its website.
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