In brief
A medical helicopter returning from a hospital mission crashed on Highway 50 in Sacramento, California, around 7 p.m. on Monday. The accident critically injured three crew members—a pilot, nurse, and paramedic—among whom a woman was trapped under the helicopter but was successfully freed with help from nearby motorists. The cause of the crash is under investigation as the highway faced significant traffic disruption, yet fortunately, no motorists were injured in the incident.
A medical helicopter crashed on a highway in Sacramento on Monday evening, critically injuring three individuals aboard, including a woman who was pinned beneath the aircraft and needing rescue from onlookers. The incident occurred shortly after 7 p.m. while the helicopter was returning to its base after delivering a patient to a local hospital.
According to Captain Justin Sylvia, spokesperson for the Sacramento Fire Department, the crash appears to have left the helicopter upside-down, creating a significant debris field. Emergency responders found the pilot, nurse, and paramedic in critical condition and transported them to nearby hospitals.
Miraculously, no motorists on the busy highway were injured. Captain Sylvia expressed disbelief at this fact, given the circumstances of the crash occurring directly in the center of the road. People reported seeing the helicopter going down quickly, and all traffic slowed down in response, he added.
A small crew from the fire department worked in conjunction with motorists to lift the aircraft slightly in order to extract the trapped woman, which involved considerable effort from about fifteen individuals. It took every ounce of all approximately 15 people to move that aircraft up just enough to get her out, Sylvia emphasized.
No fire erupted following the crash, further reducing potential dangers on the scene.
The accident prompted the closure of the eastbound lanes of Highway 50 as officers from the California Highway Patrol began their investigation into the cause of the crash. The helicopter belonged to REACH Air Medical Services, who released a statement wishing the crew a speedy recovery and noted they are currently investigating the incident.
Images shared online captured a long line of vehicles stuck in traffic behind the crashed helicopter. Sacramento City Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan, who was accompanying law enforcement during the response, described witnessing the chaotic scene, stating there were plumes of white smoke emanating from the helicopter. It’s really sobering and humbling. It makes you grateful for every day and for our officers and medical pilots who face such risks, she said.
