Local News
Video shows man nearly hit by helicopter during crash in Huntington Beach near Los Angeles
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — A dramatic video captured the moment a helicopter narrowly missed striking a bystander before crashing near a crowded event in Huntington Beach on Saturday afternoon, prompting authorities to declare a mass casualty incident and hospitalize three people.
The incident occurred around 2:09 p.m., according to dispatch information from the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The helicopter went down near the Waterfront Beach Resort along Pacific Coast Highway, in close proximity to the popular Cars and Copters on the Coast event — an annual showcase that attracts thousands of spectators to view helicopters and luxury vehicles.
Footage obtained shows the helicopter flying at a low altitude before suddenly losing control and dropping sharply toward the ground.
The aircraft crashed near the roadway, scattering debris across Pacific Coast Highway and into nearby trees adjacent to the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa.
Emergency responders from the Huntington Beach Police Department, the Orange County Fire Authority, and emergency medical teams rushed to the scene within minutes.
The helicopter came to rest wedged among trees, forcing first responders to secure the wreckage while providing immediate medical care to victims.
Authorities confirmed that two individuals were on board the helicopter at the time of the crash — both survived and managed to exit the wreckage.
However, three pedestrians standing nearby sustained injuries from the impact and were transported to local hospitals. Officials have not yet released updates on their conditions.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and disbelief as the helicopter descended toward the crowd. One attendee recalled,
“A couple minutes sooner and we would’ve been involved in this accident. It’s unreal — we had just crossed that same walkway two minutes before it happened.”
Police temporarily closed portions of Pacific Coast Highway and surrounding areas as crews conducted rescue operations and cleared debris. Event organizers have been cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
Representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and will lead a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash, including possible mechanical failure or pilot error.
As of Saturday evening, no fatalities have been reported. Officials emphasized that the situation could have been significantly worse given the large number of attendees at the event.
“This could have been a far greater tragedy,” one official stated. “We are grateful for the quick response of first responders and the cooperation of everyone involved during this emergency.”
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.