The crash occurred at approximately 2 p.m. local time near a parking lot next to Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), between Beach Boulevard and Twin Dolphins Drive, Huntington Beach firefighters said.
City officials told CBS News that two people were pulled from the wreckage alive by helicopter, and three pedestrians on the street were also injured in the incident. All five were taken to the hospital, their condition is unknown, the article says.
Police closed the area where the incident occurred at approximately 3 p.m. and began investigating the accident. Citizens were advised to avoid the area and use detour routes for several hours.
Video on social media shows the helicopter spinning several times in the air before crashing into palm trees and the exterior staircase structure of the pedestrian bridge over PCH near the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa.
🇺🇸🚁 FLASH | Un helicoptère there is ÉCRASÉ in Huntington Beach, California. Deux passagers et trois personnes au sol on été hospitalisés. pic.twitter.com/9IxsmxRZNZ
— Cerfia (@CerfiaFR) October 12, 2025
Debris was scattered at the scene of the accident, and part of the parking lot was blocked off with police tape, the article says. The tail of the helicopter broke off during the accident, and the rest of the body was stuck between the stairs and palm trees, journalists wrote.
Near the scene of the accident there were several other small helicopters parked near the Hyatt Regency and Waterfront Beach Resort, the media notes. At that time, an “exclusive helicopter landing party” from MD Helicopters was held at the Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge, where guests were invited to watch the helicopters from a bird’s eye view, the media clarifies. The party was planned before the main Cars 'N Copters On the Coast event on October 12 and the event has not been cancelled, the TV station reported.
Witnesses said the helicopter tilted toward the bridge before losing control and crashing. Kevin Bullat said he saw the helicopter spin out of control and his friend saw flying debris. According to him, a strange sound was heard that seemed wrong.
The cause of the accident is still unknown.
The helicopter is a Bell 222, equipped with two turboshaft engines, manufactured in 1980, notes CBS News.
