(FOX40.COM) — The California Highway Patrol is investigating a medical helicopter crash that occurred Monday evening on eastbound Highway 50 in East Sacramento, resulting in reported injuries.
According to CHP traffic logs, the crash happened shortly after 7 p.m. near the 59th Street exit.
At the time of the crash, the Sacramento Fire Department said, a group of bystanders helped lift the helicopter that was on top of one of the victims.
As of 8:55 p.m., fire officials said there was a pilot, a nurse, and paramedic on board in the crashed helicopter. At this time, all of them have been taken to the hospital and are in critical condition.
SFD stated that two of the victims are females and one is a male.
The flight radar is showing that the helicopter that crashed is operated by REACH Air Medical Services, registered as N414RX.
FOX40 reached out to the company, and they stated that they are aware of the incident on Highway 50, releasing the following statement in an email.
“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. We are in the process of determining the details of this situation, as well as the condition of the REACH crew involved, who were all taken to area hospitals. We will continue to provide information as it becomes available. There was no patient on board. We appreciate the concern and support from our community and will share updates when appropriate.“
CHP South Sacramento confirmed that injuries were reported, but the number of people involved and the severity of the injuries remain unclear at this time.
Image: Traffic is backed up due to a crash./ Caltrans Camera
CHP said there is no information on what type of helicopter it is or when the highway is going to be reopened. At this time, CHP is asking the public to avoid the area.
CHP stated that there is going to be a lengthy investigation followed by an extended closure of the highway.
Councilmember Lisa Kaplan took to X and posted the photo that shows where the helicopter crashed.
Image: Lisa Kaplan X
As of 11:42 p.m., one of the lanes in the eastbound lane has been reopened to allow for traffic to flow.
This is a developing story.
Adoreil Ayoubgoulan
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