Helicopter crashes in California! Two people dead, two injured and one missing

Two people have died, two others have been injured and another is missing after a medical helicopter crashed into the water near Santa Catalina Island in California, shortly after takeoff on Wednesday evening, officials said.

The incident, involving a REACH Air Medical Services helicopter with five people on board, was reported near the helicopter landing pad at Pebbly Beach, about a mile from Avalon, just after 7:50 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. It is not clear what caused the helicopter to crash or where it was headed.

Authorities say four people were pulled from the scene and taken to hospital. Los Angeles County firefighters said two of them died, while two others are in stable condition.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents Catalina Island, shared an X post after the accident.

“I have been informed that a medical helicopter departing Catalina Island crashed immediately after takeoff. Los Angeles County Fire, the Sheriff, the Coast Guard and Avalon Fire are at the scene. Search and rescue operations are under way and I am praying for everyone who was on board,” she said.

A spokesman for Global Medical Response, which owns the helicopter, said it was aware of the incident and was coordinating with authorities and first responders.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Avalon Fire Department also responded. A dive team, several aircraft and vessels are also searching the area.

The National Transportation Safety Board was expected to lead the investigation.