Helicopter Crashes Into Cairns Hotel, Sparks Fireball and Evacuation of 400 People
August 12, 2024Early this morning, a helicopter crashed into the rooftop of the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Cairns, Queensland, around 1:50 AM, creating chaos in the city.
The crash resulted in a massive fireball and prompted the evacuation of approximately 400 people from the hotel.
Queensland Ambulance confirmed that the evacuation was a precautionary measure, and remarkably, no injuries were reported among those on the ground.
While no injuries were reported for the evacuees, two patients were treated for injuries, with one sustaining life-threatening injuries and the others in stable condition.
Witnesses described the crash as producing a sound comparable to an explosion, with two helicopter propellers dislodging upon impact.
Debris from the helicopter was scattered across the area, with one propeller landing on the Cairns Esplanade and another found in the hotel's pool.
In response to the incident, Queensland Police enacted a Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA), cordoning off several streets and urging the public to avoid the area.
Authorities have established an exclusion zone around the crash site as investigations continue into the circumstances of the incident.
Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter, described as red, appearing out of control before the crash, with one bystander likening its descent to a 'racing car at full speed.'
Emergency services were alerted to the crash shortly after it occurred, with paramedics arriving on the scene shortly after 2 AM.
Members of the public are strongly advised to avoid the area while authorities conduct their investigation.
Police are actively investigating the incident, and the condition of the helicopter's pilot remains unreported, with uncertainty about any passengers on board.
Summary based on 4 sources
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Sources
The Guardian • Aug 11, 2024
Helicopter crashes into roof of Cairns hotel in early hours of morningnews.com.au — Australia’s leading news site • Aug 11, 2024
Chaos as chopper explodes into hotelThe Sydney Morning Herald • Aug 11, 2024
Australia news LIVE: Plea for gambling ad ban; Voters mark down Labor on economy; Women hold more board rolesThe West Australian • Aug 11, 2024
Hotel horror as helicopter crashes into rooftop