Helicopter crash in Huntington Beach: five hospitalized after afternoon incident near PCH and Huntington Street

A helicopter went down along Pacific Coast Highway near Huntington Street in Huntington Beach on Saturday afternoon, prompting a large police–fire response and sending five people to local hospitals. The crash occurred just after 2:00 p.m. local time (5:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. Canada ET / 10:00 p.m. UK) in a busy oceanfront corridor bordered by hotels, shops, and weekend foot traffic.

Bassyonni

ago 2 hours

Helicopter crash in Huntington Beach

Injuries: Five people were transported from the scene. Authorities said two were aboard the helicopter and three were on the ground when the aircraft came down. Immediate conditions were not released.
Scene response: Fire crews declared a multi-casualty incident, quickly securing the area, treating the injured, and checking for hazards like fuel leaks or fire.
Location context: The wreckage came to rest amid palm trees just off PCH in the hotel district, drawing crowds of bystanders and motorists who reported the aircraft spinning moments before impact.
Cause: Investigators have not identified a cause. Any discussion of mechanical issues or bird strikes remains speculative until federal investigators examine the aircraft, flight path, and maintenance history.

Closures: Sections of PCH around Huntington Street were restricted while first responders worked and investigators documented debris. Drivers faced delays and detours near the waterfront hotel zone.
Bystander safety: No secondary incidents were reported despite the heavy weekend presence along the beachfront. Officials reminded onlookers to keep a safe distance to avoid interfering with rescue and investigation work.

Initial facts collection: Local police and fire agencies secure the site, take witness statements, and stabilize hazards.
Federal investigation: The NTSB and FAA typically lead the technical probe—cataloging parts, pulling maintenance and flight records, and analyzing video or telemetry. A preliminary report often appears within 2–3 weeks, followed by a final report (with probable cause) that can take several months.
Medical updates: Hospitals and city officials may release condition updates for the five injured as families are notified and treatment progresses.

Check city alerts or navigation apps for PCH lane closures and detours near Huntington Street.
Avoid flying drones near the crash site—this can interfere with helicopters and evidence collection.
If you witnessed the incident, officials will often post a tip line or email for sharing photos/video to assist investigators.