Helicopter Crashes into Cairns Hotel Roof

A tragic incident unfolded in Cairns early this morning as a helicopter crashed into the roof of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. The crash happened just before 2 AM, causing a serious fire on the roof and leading to the unfortunate death of the pilot, who was the only person on board.

Emergency services quickly sprang into action, evacuating around 400 guests from the hotel. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported among those on the ground. However, two people—a man in his 80s and a woman in her 70s—were taken to Cairns Hospital, where they are in stable condition.

Hotel guests reported hearing a deafening bang that felt like an explosion. Alastair Salmon, who was staying on the third floor, initially thought the noise was a bomb going off. Roommate Harry Holberton described the chaotic scene as debris scattered throughout the hotel.

Witnesses from the nearby esplanade shared their shock as they saw the helicopter circle back towards the hotel at full speed before crashing into it. Flames quickly spread up the side of the building as the rotor blades were flung off, with one landing on the esplanade and another in the hotel pool.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will be investigating the crash, alongside Queensland Police’s Forensic Crash Unit, to determine the cause of this unfortunate accident. Residents in the area expressed their unease about the loud noise and the fire it left behind.