In brief
A REACH Air Medical helicopter crashed on Highway 50 in Sacramento shortly after returning from a patient drop-off, critically injuring three crew members, including a nurse and a paramedic. Witnesses reported an in-air emergency before the helicopter overturned, leaving a significant debris field. Remarkably, no motorists were harmed in the incident. The conditions of the injured crew are currently being assessed as investigations into the crash begin.
A medical helicopter crashed on a highway in Sacramento, critically injuring three individuals aboard, including a woman who was trapped underneath and had to be rescued with assistance from motorists who lifted part of the aircraft.
The incident occurred shortly after 7 p.m. on Monday while the helicopter, operated by REACH Air Medical, was returning after dropping off a patient. According to Captain Justin Sylvia, a spokesman for the Sacramento Fire Department, it appears the helicopter crashed upside-down, creating a large debris field.
The pilot, nurse, and paramedic onboard were transported to hospitals in critical condition, while fortunately, no motorists on the highway were injured. Sylvia expressed disbelief that no further injuries occurred given the helicopter's landing in the center of the highway.
“All traffic slowed down as witnesses saw the helicopter descending rapidly,” he added.
One of the injured individuals was stuck beneath the aircraft, prompting a task force from the fire department and nearby motorists to work together to lift the helicopter enough to free her and transport her to an ambulance.
“Every person involved in the effort worked tirelessly to remove the aircraft from her,” Sylvia noted, emphasizing the magnitude of the rescue effort.
Despite the crash, the helicopter did not ignite, according to officials. The incident closed the eastbound lanes of Highway 50, as confirmed by California Highway Patrol officer Mike Carrillo.
In statements released by REACH Air Medical, the organization expressed their concerns and offered prayers for the affected crew as they begin to assess the situation and the conditions of those involved.
The crash left a long line of vehicles backed up on the highway, with onlookers capturing images of the aftermath. Captain Sylvia stated that the cause of the incident remains under investigation, with both emergency services and the California Highway Patrol assessing the scene.
Sacramento City Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan, who was with law enforcement during the response, reported seeing smoke coming from the helicopter, describing the experience as sombering and underscoring the importance of gratitude towards medical and rescue personnel.
