A medical helicopter crashed on a highway in Sacramento, critically injuring three people aboard, including a nurse who was pinned underneath and was rescued with the help of motorists who lifted part of the aircraft, according to officials.
The helicopter had taken a patient to a hospital and was on the way back to the place from which it had been dispatched when it experienced an in-air emergency just after 7 p.m. Monday, said Captain Justin Sylvia, a spokesperson for the Sacramento Fire Department. He indicated that the helicopter crashed upside-down, leaving a large debris field.
The pilot, nurse, and paramedic were transported to local hospitals in critical condition. Remarkably, no injuries were reported among the highway motorists, which Sylvia described as mind-blowing given the crash occurred in the center of the road.
Witnesses noted the helicopter descending rapidly, prompting drivers to slow down. It took every ounce of all approximately 15 people to move that aircraft just enough to get her out, said Sylvia about the rescue operation.
The helicopter, identified as a REACH Air Medical helicopter, did not catch fire upon impact. Highway 50's eastbound lanes were closed as emergency crews responded. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and REACH has expressed concern for the well-being of those affected.
Sacramento City Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan, who was on a ride-along with law enforcement, indicated that there were plumes of white smoke coming from the crash site, highlighting the severity of the situation.
