A helicopter has crashed into the roof of a luxury Cairns hotel, sparking an emergency declaration and mass evacuation.
Emergency services were called to the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton just before 2am on Monday following reports of a major aviation incident.
Police immediately declared a public safety preservation act (PSPA), with the public urged to avoid the area.
One of the propellers of the chopper landed in the pool, while the other landed on the Esplanade below.
The hotel was evacuated while emergency crews responded, with two elderly patients treated at the scene by paramedics for shock.
The male pilot was also assessed for life-threatening injuries.
Police remain on scene investigating the cause of the crash.
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