Pilot death after helicopter crashes on hotel roof in Cairns, northern Queensland, Australia
More than 100 guests of the hotel were quickly evacuated.
The fire broke out after the helicopter crashed into the Doubletree by Hilton hotel at 1:50 a.m. local time on Sunday.
The sole occupant of the helicopter died at the scene, authorities said. In addition, two guests of the hotel were rushed to the hospital when they fell ill. Among them is an 80-year-old man and a 70-year-old woman. However, their condition is said to be stable.
The helicopter was said to be flying without authorization. The Queensland Police and Air Safety Agency have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the crash. The company that owned the helicopter said it was on an ‘unauthorised’ flight.
The Cairns chief was staying at the Esplanade hotel at the time of the incident. He said he saw a helicopter flying “very low” with no lights and it was raining. The helicopter suddenly turned and crashed into the hotel and exploded.
