A medical helicopter crash on Highway 50 Monday evening left three crew members critically injured, though miraculously, no motorists were harmed.

The REACH Air Medical Services helicopter, returning to its base after dropping off a patient at a hospital, experienced an “in-air emergency” shortly after 7 p.m., according to Captain Justin Sylvia of the Sacramento Fire Department. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft rapidly lose altitude before striking the roadway, forcing traffic to stop.

Three people on board — a pilot, a nurse, and a paramedic — were rushed to nearby hospitals in critical condition. One female crew member was trapped beneath the helicopter. Firefighters, assisted by nearly 15 bystanders, lifted the aircraft just enough to free her. “It took every ounce of strength from all of us to move the aircraft and save her life,” Captain Sylvia said.

The eastbound lanes of Highway 50 were closed for several hours while emergency teams secured the scene and began an investigation. Officer Mike Carrillo of the California Highway Patrol confirmed that crews are working to determine the cause of the crash.

REACH Air Medical Services released a statement saying, “We are in the process of determining the details of this situation, as well as the condition of our crew members, who were all taken to hospitals. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected.”

Photos and videos from the scene showed long lines of backed-up vehicles. Sacramento City Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan, nearby during the crash, said, “It’s really sobering. This makes you grateful for our medical pilots and first responders who risk their lives every day.”

Officials described it as a “miracle” that no cars on the highway were hit and confirmed that the cause of the crash remains under investigation.