Tragic Helicopter Crash at Cairns Hotel Forces Evacuation

A helicopter crashed into the roof of a hotel in Cairns, Australia, killing the pilot and causing the evacuation of hundreds of guests. The crash initiated a fire on the rooftop, and forensic investigations are underway. Fortunately, no ground injuries were reported.

In a devastating incident early Monday morning, a helicopter collided with the roof of Hilton's Double Tree Hotel in Cairns, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot and the evacuation of hundreds of guests.

Emergency services were alerted around 2 a.m., following the crash of a twin-engine helicopter that ignited a rooftop fire, triggering urgent evacuations. Queensland state police confirmed forensic investigations are in progress to identify the deceased pilot, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

'There were no injuries sustained by people on the ground,' the police stated, while media outlets reported that rotor blades detached, one landing in the hotel pool. Authorities are collaborating with Australia's transport safety regulator on an official accident report.

(With inputs from agencies.)