Local News
Mass casualty incident declared after helicopter crash in Huntington Beach
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.”
CHEROKEE COUNTY, S.C. — Tragedy struck early Sunday morning when a house fire claimed the lives of four family members in Gaffney, South Carolina.
Officials say the blaze broke out inside a one-story wood-frame home on East Third Street shortly before 1:40 a.m.
According to the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office, one resident, identified as Kathy Shippy, managed to escape the burning home and ran across the street to alert a neighbor and call 911.
Surveillance footage from the neighbor’s doorbell camera captured the home already fully engulfed in flames by the time the call was made.
Coroner Dennis Fowler identified the victims as:
- Willie Morris, 38
- Dakeyia Shippy, 25
- Mason Issac, 4
- Jerekry McGill, 7 months
All were residents of the home and relatives of the survivor.
Preliminary findings suggest the fire began after Morris attempted to refuel a kerosene heater inside the home, which caused the blaze to ignite suddenly and spread rapidly.
“All four victims were found on the floor of the kitchen at the rear of the house and appeared to have been trying to escape through a window when they were overcome by smoke,” the coroner’s office reported.
Autopsies are scheduled to determine the precise causes of death and assist investigators in confirming the fire’s origin.
Gaffney Fire Chief Jamie Caggiano urged the public to use extreme caution when operating space or kerosene heaters.
“Never attempt to refuel a heater indoors or while it is still hot,” Chief Caggiano said, emphasizing fire safety during colder months.
The incident remains under joint investigation by the Gaffney Fire Marshal’s Office, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Authorities described the loss as “heartbreaking” and extended condolences to the family and community members affected by the tragedy.