LOS ANGELES (TNND) — Two people were killed and two others were hospitalized after a medical helicopter crashed Wednesday night into the ocean near Catalina Island off Los Angeles County.
Rescuers continued searching Thursday for a fifth person believed to have been aboard the aircraft, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Emergency crews were called shortly before 8 p.m. near Pebbly Beach, about a mile from Avalon, and pulled four people from the water. Two were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two were taken to mainland hospitals in stable condition.
California medevac helicopter crash Oct. 1, 2026 (KCAL, KCBS via CNN Newsource)
The helicopter, operated by REACH Air Medical Services, crashed shortly after taking off from Catalina, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said on X. The company confirmed one of its aircraft was involved.
In a statement to CBS Los Angeles, a spokesperson for REACH Air Medical Services said the company was aware of the crash. “Our immediate concern is for the well-being of those involved,” the spokesperson said.
County firefighters and lifeguards responded alongside the U.S. Coast Guard, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Avalon Fire Department.
Authorities said the helicopter was submerged in about 240 feet of water off the island, about 22 miles from the Los Angeles County mainland.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating. Authorities have not said what caused the crash or released the identities or roles of those aboard.