Dramatic video shows bystanders lift helicopter that crashed on California freeway
Dramatic video shows the moment bystanders jumped into action to help lift the wreckage of a medical transport helicopter that had just crashed in the middle of a busy freeway in Sacramento, California.
The REACH Air Medical Services helicopter crashed on Highway 50 on Monday night, seriously injuring the pilot, a paramedic and a nurse. There were no patients aboard at the time.
The new video shows the moments directly after the crash as more than a dozen drivers and other good Samaritans rush to the wreckage of the helicopter, line up side by side and then lift the aircraft up.
In this screengrab from a video, bystanders rush to lift helicopter that crashed on California freeway, on Oct. 6, 2025, in Sacramento, Calif.
Terry de Crescenzo
“When it was coming down, I looked at it and said, ‘This isn’t good,'” said Kenneth De Crescenzo, who described the crash to ABC Sacramento station KXTV.
De Crescenzo, whose wife took the video, added: “When people were needed, they all stepped up … Just step in and do it. It needs to be done.”
All three people hurt in the crash remain in the hospital in critical condition, as of Wednesday afternoon, according to officials.
The family of Susan “Suzie” Smith, whose condition was listed as critical and unstable on Wednesday, released a statement earlier this week saying the nurse had “multiple serious injuries” as a result of the “horrific helicopter accident” and was surrounded by family and prayer at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.
A medical helicopter is shown after it crashed on Highway 50, Oct. 6, 2025, in Sacramento, Calif.
Scott Marshall/AP
“We would like to take the time to sincerely thank the first responders on scene as well as the everyday citizen heroes that jumped into action to help lift an entire aircraft off of Susie so she could begin receiving immediate care at the scene,” the family said in the statement, adding, “Truly amazing.”
The family went on to say, “Those who know Susie know that she is a tough and strong woman. Additionally, she has an amazing faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If anyone can overcome these challenges, it’s Sue.”