Three individuals were critically injured after a medical helicopter crashed onto U.S. Highway 50 in Sacramento, California. The incident occurred near 59th Street just after 7 p.m., causing the shutdown of eastbound lanes and disrupting westbound traffic. Emergency crews responded to the scene, where a red medical helicopter was found upside down with a large debris field.
The helicopter had been transporting a patient to a hospital and was returning to its dispatch location when it experienced an “in-air emergency,” according to Captain Justin Sylvia of the Sacramento Fire Department. A pilot, nurse, and paramedic were taken to hospitals in critical condition, though no highway pedestrians were injured. Sylvia called the lack of ground casualties “mind blowing” given the crash’s severity.
One of the injured was trapped under the aircraft, requiring fire department crews to collaborate with bystanders to lift the helicopter off the individual and transfer them to an ambulance. The Sacramento Fire Department confirmed that no vehicles were involved in the incident.
REACH Air Medical Services issued a statement expressing concern for those impacted: “We are aware of an accident involving a REACH Air Medical helicopter on Highway 50 in Sacramento this evening and are keeping all those impacted in our thoughts and prayers.” The company stated it is investigating the situation and will provide updates as they become available.
Sacramento Councilmember Lisa Kaplan shared images of traffic congestion caused by the crash, highlighting its immediate impact on local commuters.