Pilot Killed in Helicopter Crash.

Early this morning (12th) in Cairns, Queensland, a helicopter crashed onto the roof of the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton on the Esplanade around 2 a.m. The helicopter's rotor blades scattered into the hotel's pool and onto the road below. Over 300 guests were quickly evacuated from the hotel, and while there were no injuries, two elderly guests were taken to the hospital due to shock.

Residents nearby were startled by the crash, with some comparing the noise to an explosion and seeing flames and smoke. Many guests in the hotel were confused about what had happened.

Authorities confirmed that the helicopter had only one occupant, the pilot, who has been reported dead.Cairns serves as a major gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the place attract numerous tourists.

‍DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns is based out of 121-123 THE ESPLANADE, Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Our oceanfront hotel in Cairns is surrounded by landscaped, tropical gardens with views of the Coral Sea. We're a short walk from Cairns Aquarium, Cairns Art Gallery, the Esplanade Lagoon, and city centre. Cairns Airport is five kilometres away.

One of Australia’s most remarkable natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef is blessed with the breathtaking beauty of the world’s largest coral reef. The reef contains an abundance of marine life and comprises of over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays and literally hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the worlds most beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches. Because of its natural beauty, the Great Barrier Reef has become one of the worlds most sought after tourist destinations.