Payam Javan: A medical helicopter crashed on Highway 50 in Sacramento Monday evening, leaving three crew members critically injured, according to officials. The helicopter, operated by REACH Air Medical Services, had just completed a patient transport when it experienced an “in-air emergency” shortly after 7 p.m., said Captain Justin Sylvia of the Sacramento Fire Department. Remarkably, no motorists were injured despite the aircraft coming down in the center of the busy highway.

Emergency responders said the pilot, nurse, and paramedic were all transported to local hospitals in critical condition. One of the victims, a woman, became trapped underneath the wreckage before being pulled free by firefighters and bystanders. “It took every ounce of all approximately 15 people to move that aircraft just enough to get her out,” Sylvia said. Eastbound lanes of the highway were shut down as crews worked at the scene amid plumes of white smoke rising from the wreckage.

REACH Air Medical said in a statement that they were investigating the cause of the crash and monitoring the condition of their crew members. Local officials, including Sacramento City Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan, described the scene as “somber and sobering.” The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the incident. Images shared online showed a long line of vehicles backed up behind the crashed helicopter.