Helicopter Crash Sparks Massive Fireball at Cairns Hotel, Pilot Dead

A helicopter crashed into the roof of the Double Tree Hotel in Cairns, Australia, around 1:50 a.m. local time on August 12th, 2024.

The crash resulted in a massive fireball and led to the evacuation of up to 400 hotel guests.

Fortunately, no one on the ground was injured.

The pilot, who was the only occupant of the twin-engine helicopter, was declared dead at the scene.

Forensic investigators are currently working to formally identify him.

According to reports, the flight was unauthorized, and the company that owns the helicopter, Nautilus Aviation, is cooperating with authorities to investigate the incident.

"Nautilus Aviation are working closely with Queensland Police, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, and other authorities as they investigate the unauthorized use of one of our helicopters in the early hours of this morning," the company said in a statement to ABC. "

As we continue to fully support the ongoing investigation, we will not be making further comments at this time."

Eyewitness Veronica Knight described the harrowing moments before the crash, stating that the helicopter was going incredibly fast before it collided with the hotel.

The impact caused a fire to break out on the roof, necessitating the swift evacuation of the hotel's occupants.