The Catalina Island helicopter crash near Los Angeles killed two people and left two others hospitalized on Wednesday night, while a fifth person remained missing, according to authorities.
L.A. County Fire Engineer Jonathan Torres confirmed the two fatalities and said two patients were taken to local hospitals. A search continued for a missing person after the medical helicopter went down off Catalina Island.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said on X that she was informed the helicopter crashed shortly after taking off from Catalina. Authorities received reports of the incident shortly before 8 p.m., and responders included local agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard.
One patient was transported to a Los Angeles hospital, and their condition was not immediately known.
Officials said the helicopter came to rest in about 240 feet, 73 meters, of water off Catalina, which sits roughly 22 miles, 35 kilometers, from the Los Angeles County mainland.
The aircraft was believed to be operated by REACH Air Medical Services of Sacramento, California.
What we know about the Catalina Island helicopter crash
- Two people died and two were hospitalized, according to county fire officials.
- One person remained missing as search efforts continued with the U.S. Coast Guard.
- The crash was reported shortly before 8 p.m. after takeoff from Catalina.
- The helicopter is submerged in approximately 240 feet of water.
- The aircraft was believed to be a REACH Air Medical Services helicopter.
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The Trade Wind will update this story as more details are released by authorities.
