SYDNEY — A helicopter on an “unauthorized” flight crashed into the roof of a hotel in Australia’s northern tourist town of Cairns on Monday, killing the pilot and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of guests, authorities said.
Emergency crews were called at about 2 a.m. (12 p.m. Sunday ET) after the twin-engine helicopter hit the hotel roof, causing a fire and triggering the evacuations, Queensland state police said in a statement.
Police said the helicopter had been taken from its hangar for an “unauthorized flight,” but did not elaborate.
The pilot, who has yet to be identified, was declared dead at the scene.
Helicopter owner Nautilus Aviation said it was cooperating with the police investigation.
Organizations:
SYDNEY, Police, ABC, Helicopter, Nautilus Aviation
Locations:
Cairns, Queensland, Hilton’s