Catalina Helicopter Crash
Two Dead and One Missing After Medical Helicopter Crashes Off Catalina Island
Anonymous
A REACH Air Medical Services helicopter crashed into the ocean shortly after taking off from Catalina Island on Wednesday evening with five people aboard. Two people died, two were rescued and taken to hospitals, and one remained missing as search-and-rescue operations continued. The Los Angeles County Fire Department, sheriff’s department, Coast Guard and other agencies responded. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating, and officials had not released the occupants’ identities.
Key Points
1
The Los Angeles County Fire Department received reports of the crash at about 7:53 p.m. local time; the helicopter had taken off near Avalon.
2
Responders dispatched divers and helicopters to assist with the search. One report said the aircraft may have gone down in roughly 240 feet of water.
3
The two survivors reported in stable condition were transported to mainland hospitals; the sheriff’s department said two people went to UCLA’s Ronald Reagan Medical Center.
4
Flight-tracking data showed a REACH helicopter departing Oceanside at 6:40 p.m. and landing on Catalina Island at 7:04 p.m.; officials said the aircraft’s flight plan was unclear.
5
A REACH spokesperson said the company was aware of the crash but could not provide further information, adding: “Our immediate concern is for the well-being of those involved.”
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
30
Articles
38
Reach
68
Topics
A
AnonymousAuthor
