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
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.