Helicopter Crash Shakes Cairns Hotel

A helicopter crashed into the roof of the Double Tree Hotel in Cairns, Australia, leading to an evacuation of hundreds of guests. No ground injuries were reported. The incident is under investigation by Queensland police.

Hundreds of hotel guests in Cairns, Australia, were evacuated after a helicopter crashed into the roof of the Double Tree Hotel, authorities confirmed on Monday.

Emergency teams responded around 2 a.m. local time after the incident at the prominent tourist hub, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Evacuations were precautionary, and no ground injuries were reported. Queensland police are currently investigating the crash.

While the condition of the pilot and possible passengers remains unknown, social media footage showed a fire on the hotel roof, and reports indicated that two of the helicopter's propellers were dislodged, one landing in the hotel pool.

(With inputs from agencies.)