Three passengers in a medical helicopter were in critical condition after the craft smashed into Highway 50 in Sacramento — an impact so violent that first responders were stunned anyone emerged alive. One passenger was ejected and landed 10 feet away from the chopper, and another was pinned beneath the wreckage, authorities said.
“I’m shocked that anyone actually was talking and awake or living through all of this,” said Sacramento Fire Department spokesperson Capt. Justin Sylvia.
A red REACH air ambulance helicopter crashed into the eastbound lanes of Highway 50 just west of 59th Street with three staff members on board at 7:08 p.m. Monday, he said. Two female staff members and one male staff member were transported to a hospital in critical condition.
The first fire captain on scene used the help of about 15 bystanders to lift part of the helicopter off one of the victims who was trapped underneath, Sylvia said. Another victim was rescued from a helicopter chair that was ejected during the crash.
It appeared that the helicopter augered into the dirt embankment on the side of the highway, tearing up weeds with its tail rotor before skidding across five freeway lanes.
REACH air ambulances are used to transport patients to hospitals, often from rural or hard-to-reach places. At the time of the crash, there were no patients on board, and it was not immediately known what caused the accident.
The incident caused significant traffic pileups on Highway 50. As of 8 p.m. the westbound lanes were flowing, but the eastbound lanes will probably remain shut through the rest of the night, Sylvia said.
A key concern is ensuring that remaining fuel on the helicopter does not ignite as the Fire Department and California Highway Patrol investigate the crash, he added.
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