A helicopter crash in Huntington Beach, California, left five people injured on Saturday afternoon after the aircraft plunged from the sky near one of the city's busiest coastal areas.
The crash happened shortly after 2 p.m. local time near Pacific Coast Highway and Huntington Street, just steps from the Hyatt and Waterfront Beach Resort, a popular stretch packed with weekend visitors.
According to authorities, two people were aboard the helicopter, while three bystanders on the ground were struck by flying debris and impact fragments. Emergency crews from the Huntington Beach Police and Fire Departments raced to the scene within minutes, shutting down several lanes of the highway as firefighters battled flames and paramedics treated the wounded.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and disbelief as beachgoers watched the helicopter spiral out of control before slamming down near a pedestrian bridge.
Videos posted on social media show the aircraft descending rapidly, its tail appearing to break apart moments before it hit the ground, sending sand, smoke and debris into the air.
Officials are now investigating the cause of the crash as authorities work to determine whether mechanical failure or weather played a role.
Eyewitness Accounts and Crash Details
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the helicopter lose control in mid-air before crashing near the Huntington Beach resort area. Several bystanders said they heard unusual mechanical noises moments before the aircraft spiralled downwards.
Videos shared on social media show the helicopter spinning before colliding with palm trees and the pedestrian bridge area, where the wreckage was later found wedged between concrete steps and palm trunks near the beach promenade.
@iiisssssssssssssss I was literally underneath the helicopter as it crashed my life flash before my eyes #huntingtonbeach #helicopeter #crash ♬ FWU sincerely Lue. Remix - sincerely Lue.
Eyewitness Timothy Bartlett confirmed that no fires broke out, although he mentioned something about a leak of what appeared to be fuel, the ABC Newsreported.
Officials have not yet disclosed the model or ownership details of the helicopter, but early reports suggest it may have been linked to the weekend's 'Cars 'N Copters' event, a local exhibition featuring luxury vehicles and aviation displays.
Cause of the Crash Under Investigation
The cause of the helicopter crash in Huntington Beach remains under investigation. Authorities have confirmed that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are expected to lead the investigation, alongside local emergency services.
As of now, officials have not released any information regarding the potential cause. No agencies have commented on possible mechanical issues, pilot error, or environmental factors. Investigators are expected to examine the helicopter's maintenance records, flight data, and debris from the crash site as part of standard aviation protocol.
Both the FAA and NTSB typically issue preliminary findings within several weeks of an incident, while final reports detailing the cause can take months to complete.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Rescue teams acted swiftly to extract the two occupants from the damaged helicopter, while paramedics treated three injured bystanders on site before transporting all five victims to nearby hospitals. The extent of their injuries has not been disclosed.
Authorities temporarily closed sections of the Pacific Coast Highway between Huntington Street and Beach Boulevard to secure the area and facilitate debris removal. The FAA and NTSB teams have since cordoned off the crash site for inspection.
Local officials praised the coordinated response efforts and urged residents to avoid speculation as investigations continue. Meanwhile, social media has been flooded with messages expressing relief that no fatalities occurred in what could have been a far more tragic event.
Originally published on IBTimes UK
