Helicopter crashes into Cairns hotel, prompting major evacuation

Hundreds of guests and team members have been evacuated from a Cairns hotel on Monday morning after a helicopter crashed into the roof of the property.

The incident took place at DoubleTree by Hilton on Cairns Esplanade shortly before 2am on Monday morning.

The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, has died, Queensland police have confirmed.

In a statement shared with HM on Monday morning, Hilton confirmed the incident, saying that all guests and team members have been safely evacuated from the property.

“DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns can confirm that a helicopter has crashed into the hotel during the early hours of the morning,” the statement read.

“The wellbeing, safety and security of our guests is of paramount importance – and we can confirm that all guests and Team Members have been successfully evacuated from the premises.

“We are working with authorities as they investigate the incident.”

Police have advised the public to avoid the area with an exclusion zone in place across Esplanade, Minnie Street, Abbott Street and Florence Street.