A tragic scene unfolded Saturday afternoon in Huntington Beach after a helicopter crashed near a crowded park, leaving two people pulled from the wreckage and three others injured on the ground, city officials confirmed in a statement.
According to the City of Huntington Beach spokesperson, emergency responders received multiple 911 calls just before 2:00 p.m. reporting a helicopter going down near a residential area close to Magnolia Street. Witnesses described hearing a loud mechanical noise before the aircraft spiraled out of control and struck the ground.
Firefighters and paramedics arrived within minutes, finding the helicopter heavily damaged and partially on fire. Two occupants were trapped inside. Rescue crews worked quickly to extinguish the flames and extricate the victims. Both were pulled from the wreckage and taken to a nearby trauma center in serious condition.
On the ground, three individuals who were in the immediate area sustained injuries from debris and the impact. Their injuries were described as non-life-threatening, though one was transported to the hospital as a precaution. Officials credited the rapid response of first responders for preventing further casualties.
The helicopter, a small privately owned aircraft, had reportedly taken off from a nearby airfield shortly before the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause. Early indications suggest mechanical failure may have played a role, though authorities say it is too soon to draw conclusions.
Residents in the area said the crash was both sudden and terrifying. “I saw it spinning, and then it just went straight down,” said Brian Keller, who lives two blocks away. “You could hear people screaming, and within seconds, fire trucks were everywhere.” Others rushed to the scene to help before firefighters arrived.
City officials urged the public to avoid the area as investigators continued to examine the wreckage late into the evening. Roads surrounding the crash site were temporarily closed, and utility crews were called in to assess potential damage to power lines and nearby property.
Mayor Kim Carr released a statement expressing gratitude for the first responders who acted swiftly under dangerous conditions. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic event,” Carr said. “The quick action by our police, fire, and rescue teams undoubtedly saved lives today.”
The names of the victims have not yet been released pending family notification. Authorities say additional details will be provided as the investigation continues and once federal officials complete their preliminary report.
As of Sunday morning, the two people pulled from the helicopter remained hospitalized, and officials were working to recover key components from the crash site for inspection. The incident has left the Huntington Beach community shaken, but residents have rallied to support those affected, offering housing, meals, and emotional support to victims’ families and neighbors still processing the sudden loss and fear caused by the crash.
