Sacramento: A medical helicopter crashed onto a busy stretch of Highway 50 in Sacramento, California, on Monday evening, leaving three people critically injured, according to local reports.
The crash occurred on the eastbound lanes near Howe Avenue, halting traffic and drawing an emergency response from multiple agencies. The helicopter, reportedly a part of an air ambulance service, went down just before sunset under circumstances that remain unclear.
Footage of the aftermath shows the aircraft heavily damaged, lying sideways across the freeway as emergency responders rushed to the scene. Flames and smoke could be seen rising from the wreckage, though fire crews managed to contain the situation quickly.
It has not been confirmed whether the helicopter was en route to a medical emergency or returning from one. Authorities have also not disclosed the identities of those on board, but Sacramento Fire Department officials said all three individuals were transported to local hospitals with life-threatening injuries.
In a statement on social media, Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty described the crash as “harrowing,” and praised the swift work of first responders.
“There has been a harrowing helicopter crash on 50 eastbound west of 59th St. Survivors are receiving care at nearby hospitals,” the mayor posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to lead the investigation into the crash. As of Tuesday morning, the cause remains unknown, and both agencies have yet to issue public statements.
The incident caused major traffic disruption, with eastbound lanes of Highway 50 closed for several hours as investigators assessed the scene and debris was cleared. Authorities have urged drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes while the investigation continues.
The dramatic nature of the crash, caught on video by passing motorists, has since circulated widely on social media, sparking concern and renewed debate around safety protocols for emergency medical flights over urban areas.
