SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - On Monday, Oct. 6, shortly after 7 p.m., the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Sacramento Communications Center received calls reporting a helicopter crash on eastbound U.S. Highway 50, west of 59th Street.

The aircraft, operated by REACH Air Medical Services, was functioning as a medical transport helicopter; however, no patients were on board at the time of the incident. Three crew members were aboard, all of whom suffered major injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. No vehicles were involved in the crash.

Due to debris and the active investigation, eastbound U.S. 50 from the State Route 99 connector to the crash site was closed for several hours. All lanes were reopened at 1:22 a.m.

The CHP is assisting the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) with the ongoing investigation.

“The California Highway Patrol extends its sincere gratitude to the motorists and first responders who stopped to render aid following last night’s crash,” California Highway Patrol Valley Division Commander Chief Tyler Eccles. “This is a complex investigation, and we will continue to work closely with the NTSB as they work to determine the cause of the crash.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dash camera footage of the incident is asked to submit information or videos to Sergeant Brodie Mitchell with the California Highway Patrol Valley Division Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team at 916-731-6400 or via email at [email protected].

For media inquiries related to the investigation, please contact the NTSB Public Information Office at [email protected] or CHP Sergeant Jeremy Wayland at [email protected].

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of “Safety, Service and Security.”