Three people were killed Friday afternoon after a coastal bluff collapsed along a popular beach in southern California, officials said.
The collapse occurred near Grandview Beach, where natural erosion has created unstable conditions for the coastal bluffs that line the popular beach north of San Diego. One woman was immediately declared dead at the scene, with three other people taken to a local hospital, two of whom were in critical condition who would later die of their injuries according to a statement from the city of Encinitas. The immediate area surrounding the cliff collapse was closed by the city following the incident.
"It has now been confirmed that two of the three victims that were transported to local area hospitals earlier today have succumbed to their injuries," the statement reads. "This brings the total fatalities from this incident to three. Beachgoers should continue to use caution when visiting beach areas."
One other victim remains in the hospital. A fifth victim was treated and released at the scene.
Jackie Benedict, who lives in the area and was there to see what happened after the cliff collapse told NBC San Diego that onlookers rushed to try and free the victims from the debris before first responders made it to the scene.
“It was horrible. I can’t imagine being at the beach and your life changing in the blink of an eye,” Benedict told the station.
The rubble is "extremely dense" a spokesperson told the station, adding that crews will need special equipment to clear it all away.
The beach popular with surfers and swimmers has been closed by the city between Ponto Beach in Carlsbad to the area south of Grandview beach, for safety reasons. City officials are asking the public to stay away from the area. The city adds that beachgoers should exercise caution while visiting beach areas.
"Given the apparent natural instability, beachgoers should avoid areas near or under the bluffs and keep a recommended safe distance of 25 to 40 feet away," city officials said in a statement.