AUSTRALIA: A man died in Queensland after a helicopter crashed into a hotel early this morning, prompting the building’s evacuation as flames engulfed the aircraft.

Authorities in the city of Cairns said that they had not confirmed the identity of the pilot, his reason for making the flight or how the tourist helicopter was able to take off from Cairns airport.

A couple staying at the hotel were hospitalised suffering from smoke inhalation and have now been discharged, police said.