Air Ambulance Crashes on Sacramento Highway, Causing Injuries

An air ambulance crashed onto a busy highway in Sacramento on March 11, 2024, resulting in significant chaos and at least three serious injuries. The incident occurred shortly after 19:00 when the helicopter, which had just transported a patient to a hospital, encountered an “in-air emergency” while returning to its base.

Captain Justin Sylvia, a spokesperson for the Sacramento Fire Department, confirmed that the crash left a pilot, a nurse, and a paramedic in critical condition. Remarkably, no injuries were reported among the motorists on Highway 50, a fact that Sylvia described as “mind blowing,” considering the helicopter came down in the middle of the roadway.

Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter descend rapidly, prompting nearby traffic to slow down. Among the injured was a woman who became trapped beneath the wreckage. A small team from the fire department, along with bystanders, worked together to lift the aircraft enough to free her, a process that required the combined effort of approximately 15 individuals.

The crash resulted in the closure of the eastbound lanes of Highway 50, as confirmed by Officer Mike Carrillo of the California Highway Patrol. The helicopter involved was identified as a REACH Air Medical aircraft. In a statement, the company expressed their thoughts and prayers for all those affected and indicated they were in the process of gathering more information regarding the incident and the condition of their crew.

Images shared online depicted a long line of vehicles stalled on Highway 50, directly behind the downed helicopter. “The cause of the crash is still under investigation,” Carrillo stated, while emergency crews remained at the scene to manage the situation.

Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan, who was present during the response as part of a ride-along with law enforcement, noted seeing plumes of white smoke rising from the crashed helicopter. “It’s really sombering and sobering,” Kaplan remarked. She expressed gratitude for the dedication of law enforcement and medical personnel who operate under such challenging conditions daily.

The investigation into the crash will seek to determine the specifics of the incident and the operational status of the REACH crew involved. As the community processes the event, the focus remains on the recovery of those injured and the ongoing work of emergency responders.