REACH helicopter crashes on Highway 50 in Sacramento, several injured

A REACH air medical helicopter crashed onto eastbound Highway 50 in Sacramento shortly after 7 p.m. Monday, injuring multiple people and pinning at least one vehicle beneath the aircraft, officials said. The crash prompted a full closure of the freeway and a major emergency response as crews worked to free trapped motorists and treat the wounded.

Sacramento Fire Department spokesperson Capt. Justin Sylvia said emergency personnel arrived to find "several people were trapped and injured," though he did not provide an exact casualty count or the full severity of injuries. California Highway Patrol incident logs show all lanes were blocked almost immediately and a SigAlert was requested. CHP traffic notes and city officials reported a complete shutdown of eastbound Highway 50 with closures affecting nearby ramps and access points, including a full closure at 59th Street; responders also reported impacts near Howe Avenue.

Emergency crews, including multiple fire rigs, ambulances and Caltrans personnel, used the westbound lanes to reach the site amid heavy congestion. CHP logs indicated at least one vehicle was pinned under the helicopter. Photographs and video circulating from the...