Helicopter crashes onto roof of Australian hotel, killing pilot

A helicopter crashed onto the roof of a seaside hotel in Cairns, Australia, in the early hours of Monday, killing the pilot, authorities said, as video showed flames and smoke billowing into the night sky.

According to Report, which cites CNN, hundreds of guests and staff of the luxury DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel were evacuated into the street after the helicopter crashed into the building near Cairns Esplanade, a waterfront boardwalk popular with travelers in the north Queensland city.

Police have cordoned off the area in the busy tourist strip, and charter company Nautilus Aviation said it was working with officials as they investigate the “unauthorized use” of one of the company’s aircraft.