A tragic incident unfolded in Cairns, Australia, when a helicopter crashed into a hotel roof, killing the pilot. The crash happened during an unauthorized early morning flight on Monday.
At around 1:50 AM local time, the helicopter struck the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Cairns. As a result, the collision sparked a fire and forced hundreds of guests to evacuate.
Authorities confirmed the pilot, who flew alone, died at the scene. Additionally, paramedics took two hotel guests, an elderly couple, to the hospital in stable condition.
Some local media outlets have suggested someone might have stolen the helicopter. In response, Nautilus Aviation, the company owning the aircraft, announced they would cooperate with Queensland authorities to investigate the “unauthorised use” of their helicopter.
Amanda Kay, a hotel guest, witnessed the incident. She described seeing the helicopter flying very low without lights in rainy weather. Furthermore, she saw it turn and hit the building before exploding.
Another bystander reported seeing the helicopter fly past the hotel twice before the crash. She described it as going “unbelievably fast” and “out of control.”
The impact caused severe damage. Consequently, two of the helicopter’s rotor blades detached, landing on the nearby esplanade and in the hotel pool.
Caitlin Dennings from Queensland Ambulance Service reported that many hotel guests compared the sound to a bomb explosion. Understandably, the crash left them confused and uncertain about the situation.
Among the 400 evacuated people was Alastair Salmon, a tourist from London. He recounted hearing a “colossal ear-deafening bang” and then seeing a massive hole in the building’s window.
In response to the incident, police have cordoned off streets around the hotel and declared an emergency situation. Meanwhile, the Queensland Police and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau have launched an investigation into the crash’s circumstances.
Cairns, situated in northern Queensland, is a popular tourist destination known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. Undoubtedly, this incident has shocked both the local community and visitors.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to understand how this unauthorized flight occurred and what led to the tragic crash. Ultimately, the incident raises important questions about aircraft security and safety measures in tourist areas.
Recently, aviation incidents have raised concerns. A plane crash in Brazil killed 62 people, highlighting safety issues. In another incident, a plane made an emergency landing in Malakal, South Sudan, with no casualties reported. These events underscore the need for stricter regulations and improved safety measures in air travel.