Helicopter Crashes at Huntington Beach, Leaving Five People Injured
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — A helicopter crash at a popular Southern California beach on Saturday afternoon left five people hospitalized after the aircraft lost control and plummeted onto the sand near Pacific Coast Highway.
The incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m. local time near the intersection of Huntington Street and Pacific Coast Highway, according to the Huntington Beach Fire Department. The crash site was close to several beachfront apartments, in full view of beachgoers enjoying the sunny weekend.
Witnesses described the moment the helicopter began spinning uncontrollably before descending rapidly. Footage shared on social media shows the aircraft hovering near residential buildings before entering a clockwise spin and crashing beside a cluster of palm trees. The helicopter came to rest wedged between the trees and a stairway adjacent to the highway.
Emergency services launched a major response, with Huntington Beach Fire Department, Police, and Marine Safety units rushing to the scene. Debris was seen scattered across the road as rescue crews worked to extract the two people trapped inside the wreckage.
Authorities confirmed that both occupants of the helicopter were safely rescued, while three bystanders on the ground were also injured in the crash. All five individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Their conditions remain unknown.
Videos captured by stunned onlookers show people shouting in disbelief as the aircraft spiraled downward. “Oh no, oh my God!” one witness can be heard crying out as the helicopter hit the ground.
Battalion Chief Matt Kubota of the Huntington Beach Fire Department said: “Around 2 p.m., Huntington Beach Fire, Police, and Marine Safety responded to a reported helicopter crash between Beach Boulevard and Twin Dolphin. Five individuals were transported to local hospitals in unknown condition.”
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.
