California helicopter crash: Helicopter spins in the air, crashes feet away from hotel in Huntington Beach, injuring 5; map reveals incident site as videos go viral

A shocking incident unfolded in California near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Huntington Street in Huntington Beach, where at least five people sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital on Saturday (October 11, 2025) following a helicopter crash. The details about the incident were revealed through a map of the site where it occurred.

According to Daily Express US, the crash took place just after 2 p.m. PT (5 p.m. ET) during the "Cars 'N Copters on the Coast" event. It is considered a popular gathering of luxury and exotic cars, as well as helicopters, near the beach.

Multiple videos of the incident captured by event attendees and beachgoers are going viral on social media. In the clips, the helicopter was seen descending toward the street while spinning rapidly in the air before it suddenly crashed down to the ground.





Following the incident, which shook the onlookers, two people were safely pulled out of the aircraft, according to officials. Meanwhile, three pedestrians also sustained injuries. The five individuals were taken to the hospital, and their conditions were not immediately known, reported Daily Express US.

Map reveals the interaction where the incident occurred

A map of the area surfaced on social media showing the intersection where the incident took place. It was seemingly just feet away from the popular beach, a Hyatt hotel, and local restaurants.

Local authorities shut PHC between Huntington Street and Beach Boulevard at around 3 p.m. as they launched an investigation of the scene. Amid the probe, they also told people to avoid the area and use alternate routes for at least several hours after the closure.

City officials release statement

City officials released a statement following the crash, assuring that the police and fire departments quickly contained the area.

"At approximately 2:00 p.m., Huntington Beach Police officers responded to reports of a helicopter going down in the beach parking low [sic] between Twin Dolphins Drive and Beach Boulevard," the statement read, as quoted by Daily Express US. "HBPD and HBFD personnel immediately arrived on the scene and contained the area," the city added.