AVALON, Calif. (KABC) — Two people were killed, two were injured and another remains missing after a medevac helicopter crashed into the waters near Avalon on Catalina Island shortly after takeoff Wednesday night, officials said.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department confirmed there was a Marine Search and Rescue operation that began shortly after receiving a report of three people in the ocean around 7:53 p.m. off of Avalon.
The Coast Guard’s Los Angeles Station later said at least 5 people had initially gone into the water following a helicopter crash and helped with the rescue.
The L.A. County Fire Department confirmed late Wednesday that two people died, two were hospitalized a fifth person remains missing. Rescue operations will continue throughout the night.
AIR7 flew over Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center where at least one of the victims was seen being wheeled off a helicopter.
REACH Air Medical Services later confirmed that one of their helicopters was involved in the incident.
“We are aware of an incident involving a REACH Air Medical Services helicopter. At this time, we are gathering information and coordinating with emergency responders and authorities. We are unable to provide additional details at this stage and will share more information when it becomes available. Our immediate concern is for the well-being of those involved.,” said a spokesperson for the company.
No further details were immediately known.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
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