Medical helicopter crashes off California’s Catalina Island, 2 killed and 1 missing

A medical helicopter crashed off California’s Catalina Island near Los Angeles, killing two people and leaving two others hospitalised, while rescuers searched for a fifth person reported to be aboard the aircraft, AP reported on Thursday, citing the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

First responders were called to the crash shortly before 8 p.m. Wednesday and pulled four people from the water, the fire department said.

Two were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were taken to hospitals on the mainland in stable condition, according to AP.


The Los Angeles County Fire Department said search and rescue operations continued through the night for the missing person. Authorities said the helicopter was submerged in about 240 feet (73 metres) of water off Catalina Island, which lies roughly 22 miles (35 km) from the Los Angeles County mainland, as per the report.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said she was told the medevac helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff from Catalina.

County firefighters and lifeguards responded to the scene along with the US Coast Guard and the sheriff’s department, officials said in the report.

The helicopter was believed to be owned by Sacramento-based REACH Air Medical Services, according to KTLA-TV.