A medical helicopter crashed on a highway in Sacramento, critically injuring three people aboard, including a woman 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 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 said it looks like the helicopter crashed upside down and left a large debris field.
The pilot, nurse, and paramedic were taken to hospitals in critical condition. Incredible as it may sound, no one on the highway was injured, as traffic slowed down when witnesses saw the helicopter going down rapidly.
Emergency responders worked alongside motorists to free one of the injured individuals trapped underneath the aircraft. 'It took every ounce of all approximately 15 people to move that aircraft just enough to get her out,' said Sylvia.
The helicopter, owned by REACH Air Medical, did not catch fire upon impact. First responders closed the eastbound lanes of Highway 50 as they attended to the scene, which included a significant traffic backup.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and REACH Air Medical has expressed their thoughts and prayers for those affected.
Sacramento City Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan, who was on a ride along with law enforcement, remarked on the somber scene as plumes of white smoke rose from the wreckage.
