Sacramento helicopter crash: Medical chopper hits Highway 50, at least 3 injured | Videos
Sacramento helicopter crash: A REACH air medical helicopter crashed on eastbound Highway 50 in Sacramento Monday night, leaving at least three people critically injured.
A REACH air medical helicopter crashed on eastbound Highway 50 in Sacramento Monday evening, leaving at least three people critically injured. Authorities have closed the highway and are investigating the cause.
Where and when did the crash occur?
Emergency crews responded to a helicopter crash on Highway 50 on Monday evening, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The incident was reported shortly after 7 pm near 59th Street on the eastbound side of the freeway.
A video of the incident showed the helicopter spinning out of control near the highway before crashing to the ground, with cars and other vehicles seen dangerously close. A widely shared photo on social media captured the aftermath of the California helicopter crash.
The Sacramento Fire Department confirmed that the aircraft involved was a REACH helicopter, which provides air medical transport. Officials have not yet clarified whether the helicopter was en route to or from a hospital at the time of the crash.
What are the casualties and road conditions?
At least three people sustained critical injuries, according to Sacramento Fire officials.
“Eastbound Highway 50 is under a full closure at 59th Street due to the crash,” CHP traffic logs noted.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area as authorities continue emergency operations and investigations.
What do we know about the REACH Air helicopter?
Flight radar data revealed that the helicopter was an Airbus Helicopters H130, type code EC30, registered as N414RX and operated by REACH Air Medical Services in the United States. The aircraft is four years old, with serial number 8909 and Mode S code A4E489.
The helicopter had been scheduled for multiple flights on Monday, covering routes that included Sacramento, Redding, and Red Bluff — three key areas served by REACH Air’s operations.
Helicopter crash in Minnesota
Last month, a helicopter crashed and caught fire near a suburban airport in the Minnesota Twin Cities, with authorities confirming there were no survivors. The downed aircraft, a Robinson R66, was discovered around 2:45 pm local time west of Airlake Airport on September 7.
Emergency crews who arrived at the scene reported that the helicopter had erupted in flames, and no one onboard had survived the crash. The Robinson R66, a single-engine turbine helicopter, typically accommodates one pilot and four passengers.