A medical helicopter experienced an “in-air emergency” on Monday evening, crashing onto a highway in Sacramento, California.
The helicopter was on the return leg of its trip after transporting a patient to a nearby hospital when it crashed into the eastbound lane of Highway 50 in East Sacramento, shortly after 7 p.m. local time, according to reports. The incident injured all three people aboard the REACH Air Medical Services helicopter: the pilot, nurse, and paramedic.
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“People reported that they basically saw the helicopter kind of going down quickly. So all the traffic slowed down,” said Captain Justin Sylvia, a spokesman for the Sacramento Fire Department.
One of the injured people was trapped underneath after the accident and had to be rescued by first responders and bystanders, lifting the helicopter to free the person, reported the Associated Press.
“It took every ounce of all approximately 15 people to move that aircraft up just enough to get her out,” said Sylvia.
The three were taken to the hospital and listed in critical condition. No commuters on the highway were reportedly injured in the crash.
A Sacramento Fox affiliate contacted the medical helicopter company about the crash. They said they were aware of the incident and investigating the “details of the situation.” The company expressed sympathy to those injured.
“We are aware of an accident involving a REACH Air Medical helicopter on Highway 50 in Sacramento this evening and are keeping all those impacted in our thoughts and prayers,” REACH Air Medical Services told Fox40 in an email. “We are in the process of determining the details of this situation, as well as the condition of the REACH crew involved, who were all taken to area hospitals. We will continue to provide information as it becomes available.”
“There was no patient on board,” added the company. “We appreciate the concern and support from our community and will share updates when appropriate.”