Medical helicopter crashes onto highway, critically injuring 3 aboard

Three passengers in a medical helicopter were in critical condition after the craft smashed into Highway 50 in Sacramento — an impact so violent that first responders were stunned anyone emerged alive.

- BY CLARA HARTER

One passenger was ejected and landed 10 feet away from the chopper, and another was pinned beneath the wreckage, authorities said.

"I'm shocked that anyone actually was talking and awake or living through all of this," said Sacramento Fire Department spokesperson Capt. Justin Sylvia.

A red REACH air ambulance helicopter crashed into the eastbound lanes of Highway 50 just west of 59th Street with three staff members on board at 7:08 p.m. Monday, he said.