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.”
Local News
Suspended Dearborn Ford worker Thomas Sabula received more than $320K after Trump flips him off
DEARBORN, Mich. — A suspended Ford Motor Company employee has become the focus of national attention after a confrontation with former President Donald Trump during a visit to a Dearborn assembly plant, prompting an outpouring of public support that has raised more than $324,000 for his family through an online fundraiser.
The worker, Thomas “TJ” Sabula, a 40-year-old United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 600 member, was placed on suspension pending an internal investigation following an exchange that occurred while Trump was touring the facility.
According to video later obtained and published by TMZ, an off-camera voice can be heard shouting “pedophile protector” at the former president, an apparent reference to the administration’s handling of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
In the footage, Trump appears to mouth an expletive and make a hand gesture before walking away.
The Washington Post subsequently identified Sabula as the individual who made the remark.
In an interview with the newspaper, Sabula confirmed that he was suspended after the incident and said he believes the action amounts to political retaliation.
“As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever,” Sabula told The Post. “But I am concerned about my job. I believe I’ve been targeted for political retribution for embarrassing him in front of his friends.”
Sabula, who describes himself as politically independent, said he has never voted for Trump, though he has supported Republican candidates in the past.
In the days following the incident, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist Sabula and his family during his suspension.
The campaign states that Sabula is “a father of two young children, a husband, and a proud UAW Local 600 line worker,” and that the funds will be used to help cover household and living expenses “during this time of uncertainty.” Donations quickly surged past $100,000, with notable contributions reportedly made by the rock band Dropkick Murphys.
Supporters have characterized Sabula’s actions as a form of protest and free expression, while others have questioned whether his conduct violated workplace policies.
Ford Motor Company and union representatives have not publicly released details regarding the status of the internal investigation or whether disciplinary action beyond the suspension is being considered.
Following his visit to the Dearborn plant, Trump went on to deliver remarks at the Detroit Economic Club, where he had last spoken in October 2024.
The incident continues to draw attention amid broader political debate, as questions remain about workplace discipline, free speech, and the role of political expression in employment settings.