Witness Veronica Knight reported hearing two explosions when the helicopter crashed into the hotel—one at the moment of impact and another smaller one shortly after. (Courtesy of Veronica Knight)
In the early hours of Monday, a tragic helicopter crash occurred in Cairns, Australia, when the aircraft slammed into the roof of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, killing the pilot. The incident, which took place near the popular Cairns Esplanade, sent flames and thick smoke into the night sky, prompting an immediate evacuation of the hotel’s guests and staff.
The crash happened at approximately 1:50 a.m., and the aftermath was captured on video showing the roof of the seven-story hotel engulfed in flames. The hotel, which is located in a busy tourist area, was quickly evacuated, with 421 adults, 50 children, and two staff members safely making their way out onto the street. Thankfully, none of the hotel’s occupants were injured, though witnesses described the scene as chaotic and shocking.
Veronica Knight, a visitor from Sydney, witnessed the terrifying event. She was sitting on the esplanade, talking on the phone, when she noticed a helicopter flying unusually low over the water. According to Knight, the helicopter was travelling at high speed and disappeared from her view for a short time. When it reappeared, it was heading directly toward the well-lit buildings near the waterfront.
Police tape surrounds the area in Cairns, Australia, following a helicopter crash on August 12, 2024. CNN
As Knight pulled out her phone to record the helicopter, she saw it veer and crash into the hotel roof. Moments later, she heard two explosions—one at the moment of impact and another, smaller explosion that followed. Her videos captured the orange glow of the fire and the thick smoke rising from the top of the hotel, while sirens could be heard in the background.
Authorities quickly responded to the scene, cordoning off the area and urging the public to stay away. The pilot, who was the only person on board the helicopter, was pronounced dead at the scene. Nautilus Aviation, the charter company that owned the helicopter, stated that they were cooperating with authorities as the crash involved the “unauthorized use” of one of their aircraft.
Wreckage from a helicopter is visible after it crashed onto the roof of the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Cairns, Australia, on August 12, 2024. CNN
In response to the incident, DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns released a statement confirming that all their guests and staff were safely evacuated. The hotel also announced that they were arranging alternative accommodations for their guests and were working closely with authorities to assist in the ongoing investigation.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and the forensic crash unit are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. The ATSB has sent a team to the site to gather evidence and interview witnesses. They have also requested that anyone with photos or videos of the incident reach out to them via their website.
