A helicopter crash at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Cairns, northern Queensland, resulted in the death of the pilot and the evacuation of hundreds of guests. The crash occurred during an “unauthorised” early morning flight.
Details of the Incident
The helicopter crashed into the hotel roof on Monday morning, sparking a fire that prompted the immediate evacuation of guests from the building. The pilot, who was the only person aboard the helicopter, died at the scene. Two hotel guests, an elderly man in his 80s and a woman in her 70s, were transported to the hospital in stable condition due to the incident.
Speculation and Investigation
Some local media outlets have speculated that the helicopter involved in the crash may have been stolen. This has raised questions about how and why the helicopter took off on an unauthorised flight.
Nautilus Aviation’s Response
Nautilus Aviation, the company that owns the helicopter, has expressed its commitment to cooperating with authorities during the investigation. The company is working closely with Queensland officials to determine the circumstances surrounding the helicopter’s unauthorised use and subsequent crash.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities in Queensland are conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the cause of the crash and the events leading up to the helicopter’s unauthorised flight. This investigation will include examining the helicopter’s flight path, security footage, and any potential breaches in protocol that allowed the flight to occur.
Safety Measures and Response
The incident has prompted a review of aviation safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The hotel’s management and local emergency services responded swiftly to the crash, ensuring the safe evacuation of guests and minimising further injuries. The Cairns community is now focused on supporting those affected by the incident and assisting authorities in their investigation.
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