HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. -- A peaceful Saturday afternoon turned into a nightmare as a helicopter crashed into the shore of Huntington Beach, injuring five individuals and triggering a full-scale emergency operation.
The accident occurred at approximately 2 p.m., at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Huntington Street, which is close to the renowned hotel, the Hyatt Regency. Witnesses said they heard the aircraft sputter and then lost control and hit palm trees in a busy pedestrian shopping center.
City officials said that two occupants of the helicopter were dragged out of the wreckage by passersby before the first responders arrived. The impact also injured three pedestrians on the ground with the debris. The five victims were taken to the local hospitals. The authorities reported that there are no life-threatening injuries at the moment.
The helicopter was said to be linked with the Cars N Copters on the Coast event that was to be held on Sunday, which is an annual event where exotic cars and helicopters are displayed along the beachfront. The organizers of the event have shown their shock and are collaborating with the local authorities.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have initiated an inquiry to establish the cause of the crash. There have been early reports of no mechanical issues being reported before takeoff, although flight records and maintenance logs are being reviewed.
Pacific Coast Highway was temporarily closed by the police to enable rescue teams to clear the mess and secure the scene.
The scene is still under investigation as of Sunday morning, and the authorities are asking people to stay out of the area. There are no confirmed deaths but the event has shaken the Huntington Beach community.