A helicopter crashed into the roof of a Hilton hotel in Australia on Monday, according to local media reports citing police.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), referencing police sources, reported that the pilot, who was the only person in the helicopter, died in the crash.
The incident ignited a fire atop the building, leading to a mass evacuation. Two other individuals were taken to the hospital and are currently in stable condition, according to police.
ABC also reported that the helicopter charter company, Nautilus Aviation, stated that the pilot was on an “unauthorized” flight. Queensland Police are investigating the “fatal aviation incident in Cairns City.”
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Emergency services were dispatched to the intersection of The Esplanade and Florence Street around 1:50 a.m. following reports of a twin-engine helicopter colliding with the roof of the hotel.
The impact caused a fire on the hotel’s roof, but the building was evacuated as a precaution, and no injuries were reported among people on the ground, police said.
Forensic investigations are underway to formally identify the pilot. An exclusion zone remains in place, covering The Esplanade, Minnie Street, Abbott Street, and Florence Street.
(WITH INPUTS FROM ANI)
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