Medical helicopter crash on Sacramento highway leaves three crew members critically injured
A medical helicopter crashed on Highway 50 in Sacramento on Monday evening, critically injuring all three crew members and prompting a large-scale emergency response across the area.
Emergency response and crew rescue
Authorities confirmed the helicopter went down shortly after departing UC Davis Medical Center, where it was en route to Redding. The crash occurred around 7 p.m. on the eastbound lanes of Highway 50, just east of Stockton Boulevard.
REACH Air Medical Services reported that the pilot, a nurse, and a paramedic onboard were gravely injured. Fortunately, no patients were being transported, and remarkably, no motorists were hurt despite the helicopter landing in the middle of the busy freeway.
Passersby assist trapped crew member
Sacramento Fire Department Captain Justin Sylvia detailed how one crew member was trapped beneath the wreckage. Firefighters, with help from approximately 15 civilians who stopped to assist, managed to lift the helicopter enough to free the woman and rush her to the hospital. "It took every ounce of effort from everyone there," Sylvia said, highlighting that the situation could have turned tragic if the helicopter’s fuel had ignited.
Investigation and highway closure
The Sacramento Fire Department confirmed no bystanders were injured and no secondary accidents occurred. Federal investigators have taken over the crash investigation to determine the cause.
Meanwhile, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has closed all eastbound lanes of Highway 50 for safety and ongoing recovery operations. Drivers are advised to avoid the area until further notice.
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