Helicopter Crash on Sacramento Freeway Injures Three
A medical helicopter went down on a freeway in Sacramento on Monday evening, resulting in serious injuries to three individuals, one of whom was trapped beneath the aircraft, according to officials.
The helicopter was transporting a patient to the hospital and was on its way back when it encountered an “airborne emergency” just after 7 p.m., as described by Capt. Justin Sylvia from the Sacramento Fire Department.
The pilot, a nurse, and a paramedic were reported in critical condition, but remarkably, no injuries occurred among motorists on the highway, which Sylvia remarked was “mind-blowing,” given the aircraft’s crash site.
Witnesses observed the helicopter descending rapidly, prompting all nearby drivers to slow down, Sylvia noted.
Emergency responders managed to extract one of the injured individuals who was trapped under the helicopter. A small crew worked diligently to lift the aircraft and get her into an ambulance.
“It took every ounce of energy from about 15 people to get that aircraft up enough to get her out,” he explained.
The crash led to the closure of the eastbound lanes on Highway 50, as reported by Gen. Mike Carrillo from the California Highway Patrol’s Valley Division.
The helicopter was identified as a Reach Air Medical Helicopter. The company expressed their thoughts and prayers for those involved in a statement.
“We are actively determining more details about the incident and the condition of the Reach crew,” they stated.
Social media images showed traffic on Highway 50 backed up right behind the crash site.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with emergency crews and CHP on-site. Sacramento City Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan, who was in a law enforcement vehicle responding to the crash, reported seeing white smoke coming from the helicopter.
“It’s really a sobering experience. I’m flying today with the sheriff’s pilots who do this routinely, and it makes you appreciate every moment and the work our officers and medical pilots do,” she shared.
