SACRAMENTO, Calif. (TNND) — A medical helicopter crash occurred Monday night in Sacramento, critically injuring three individuals after the aircraft experienced an in-air emergency and landed on Highway 50.
According to the Sacramento Fire Department, a pilot, a nurse, and a paramedic were hospitalized following the incident. Remarkably, no vehicles on the highway were involved in the crash. Captain Justin Sylvia noted, “It's mind-blowing” that there were no additional injuries amidst the chaos.
Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter descending rapidly, prompting traffic to come to a halt. One of the injured was trapped beneath the helicopter, and a small crew from the fire department, alongside bystanders, managed to lift the aircraft just enough to free her and transport her to an ambulance.
REACH Air Medical Services stated they are “keeping all those impacted in our thoughts and prayers” and confirmed that there was no patient on board at the time of the crash. They are investigating the incident and will provide updates on the crew's condition as information becomes available.
Mike Carrillo from the California Highway Patrol reported that the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Further details will be released as they are confirmed.
Editor's note: The Associated Press contributed to this article.