A terrifying helicopter crash in Sacramento left three people critically injured on Monday evening after the medical aircraft went down on the eastbound lanes of Highway 50.
The incident occurred just after 7:00PM, leaving the pilot, a nurse, and a paramedic in critical condition, according to officials.
Remarkably, no one on the highway was hurt despite the crash taking place right in the middle of the road, per Sky News.
The medical helicopter had just completed a patient transfer to a local hospital and was returning to base when it experienced what authorities described as an "in-air emergency."
Sacramento Fire Department Captain Justin Sylvia confirmed that the crash created a significant debris field but, fortunately, no fire broke out.
Quick Thinking and Heroic Actions on the Ground
Images from the scene showed the REACH Air Medical helicopter lying upside down, blocking traffic on the busy highway.
A heroic effort from emergency responders and nearby civilians played a key role in rescuing one of the crew members trapped beneath the aircraft.
A small team of firefighters, with assistance from bystanders, managed to lift the helicopter enough to free the woman.
“It took every ounce of approximately 15 people to move that aircraft up just enough to get her out,” Captain Sylvia shared, praising the teamwork involved in the dramatic rescue.
Luckily, no vehicles were involved in the crash, and authorities expressed amazement that no one on the road was injured. Sylvia noted the incredible timing, explaining that traffic had slowed down just before the helicopter came down.
“People reported that they basically saw the helicopter kind of going down quickly, so all the traffic slowed down,” Sylvia said. "That was the lucky portion for us."
Local Lawmaker Reflects on the Tragedy
Sacramento City Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan, who was riding along with law enforcement at the time of the crash, described the scene as "sombering and sobering."
Kaplan, who has flown with law enforcement pilots before, expressed her deep gratitude for the work of medical and law enforcement professionals.
“I’m up flying with sheriff pilots that do this day in and day out. And it really makes you grateful for every day and grateful for our officers and our medical pilots,” Kaplan said, reflecting on the seriousness of the situation.
The medical helicopter involved in the crash was identified as part of the REACH Air Medical Services fleet. The company has confirmed that all three crew members - two women and one man - were hospitalized following the incident, per the New York Post.
“We are keeping all those impacted in our thoughts and prayers,” REACH said in a statement, while adding that they were still in the process of gathering details about the crash.
The company has yet to comment on the cause of the emergency that led to the helicopter’s sudden descent.
Ongoing Investigation and Road Closures
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) confirmed that the eastbound lanes of Highway 50 would remain closed for an extended period to allow for cleanup and investigation.
Officer Mike Carrillo, a spokesperson for the CHP, stated: “The cause of the crash is still under investigation.”
Meanwhile, Officer Michael Harper added that drivers should expect road closures to last for some time.