HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — Authorities declared a mass casualty incident Saturday afternoon after a helicopter crashed near the Cars and Copters on the Coast event along Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, leaving three people hospitalized and prompting a large-scale emergency response.

The crash was reported at approximately 2:09 p.m., according to initial dispatch information from the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

The helicopter went down near the Waterfront Beach Resort, just steps from the busy event venue, where thousands had gathered to view aircraft and exotic vehicles.

Video footage obtained shows the helicopter flying low over the area before suddenly losing altitude and plummeting toward the ground. Moments later, it struck near the roadway, sending debris across the street and into nearby trees adjacent to the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa.

Responding units from the Huntington Beach Police Department, Orange County Fire Authority, and emergency medical teams quickly arrived on scene.

The helicopter came to rest wedged among trees, prompting immediate efforts to secure the wreckage and treat the injured.

Authorities confirmed that two people were on board the helicopter, both of whom escaped the wreckage and survived.

However, three pedestrians in the street sustained injuries from the impact and were transported to nearby hospitals. Their current conditions have not yet been released.

Witnesses described the chaotic and terrifying scene. One attendee at the event recounted,

“A couple minutes sooner and we would’ve been involved in this accident. It’s crazy — we used that same walkway over the street just two minutes before it happened.”

Officials temporarily closed portions of Pacific Coast Highway and surrounding streets as rescue operations and cleanup efforts continued.

Event organizers cooperated with law enforcement as authorities worked to ensure public safety and assess any remaining hazards.

Representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and will conduct a full investigation into the cause of the crash.

As of Saturday evening, no fatalities have been reported, though investigators cautioned that the situation remains fluid as they continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.

“This could have been far worse given the number of people present at the event,” one official said. “We’re thankful for the rapid response of first responders and the community’s cooperation during this developing situation.”