Daijiworld Media Network – Sacramento

Sacramento, Oct 7: A medical helicopter crashed onto a busy highway in Sacramento, California, on Monday evening, leaving at least three people critically injured, local authorities said.

The incident occurred around 7:10 PM on eastbound Highway 50 near Howe Avenue, involving a REACH air medical service chopper that went down under unclear circumstances.

Emergency responders, including the Sacramento Fire Department, rushed to the scene, where multiple people were reportedly trapped. All lanes of eastbound Highway 50 near 59th Street were closed while authorities secured the area and assisted the injured. Traffic was halted in both directions for safety.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty described the incident as a “harrowing helicopter crash” and commended the efforts of first responders and around 15 bystanders who helped before additional emergency units arrived. “Survivors are being treated at local hospitals,” he stated.

Unconfirmed reports suggest the helicopter may have been operating from a children’s hospital, though it is unclear whether it was en route to or from a medical facility at the time.

Video footage circulating on social media shows the helicopter spinning out of control moments before crashing onto the freeway, with nearby vehicles dangerously close to the wreckage. Images from the scene show emergency personnel attending to the aftermath.

Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The identities of those injured and the total number of passengers on board have not yet been released.