Australia: Helicopter crashes on roof of popular hotel in Cairns, pilot dies

Queensland Police said in a statement: "Emergency services were called to the intersection of The Esplanade and Florence Street around 1:50am following reports a twin-engine Helicopter colliding with the roof of a hotel."

Police have started investigating the cause of the helicopter crash.

The crash triggered a fire in the hotel which forced authorities to evacuate it.

Police said a forensic investigation is currently underway to identify the victims of the crash.

Police said: "The Forensic Crash Unit, working alongside the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), will prepare a report for the Coroner."

North Queensland-based charter company Nautilus Aviation, which runs scenic tours from nearby on the Cairns waterfront, has confirmed that it is the owner of the helicopter and the company is helping the investigation process.

“Nautilus Aviation are working closely with the Queensland Police, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and other authorities as they investigate the unauthorised use of one of our helicopters in the early hours of this morning,” the company said in a statement as quoted by The Guardian.

Queensland Ambulance posted on X :"Emergency services were called to an aviation incident at the Esplanade in Cairns City about 1.50am. A Helicopter has crashed into the roof a hotel.The building was evacuated as a precaution and there were no injuries sustained by people on the ground."

Amanda Kay, who was staying in the hotel on the main esplanade in Cairns, described seeing a helicopter flying "extra low", without lights in rainy weather, reported BBC.

Cairns is a popular tourist destination which is located close to the Great Barrier Reef.