5 injured after helicopter loses control, crashes steps from bustling California beach

A helicopter crashed into a row of trees at California’s bustling Huntington Beach on Saturday afternoon, leaving five injured, according to reports.

The chopper was steadily lowering down to the tree line before it suddenly careened back upwards and then went out of control at about 2 p.m.

Two people on the chopper were removed safely while three people on the ground were left injured, police told CBS News.  All were hospitalized in unknown condition.

The incident began when the helicopter started to spin sideways as its rear rotor appeared to stop working.

It plummeted to the ground but was cushioned by the line of palm trees at the edge of the sand. One tree snapped and fell on top of the prone chopper, according to the video.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.