A medevac helicopter crashed into the water off Catalina Island in California on Wednesday night, with one of the five people aboard reported missing and the other four taken to hospitals, according to officials.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department received reports of the crash shortly before 8 p.m. and immediately dispatched search and rescue teams, including helicopters and divers. The U.S. Coast Guard also responded to the incident.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said she had been informed of the crash and was praying for everyone on board. She noted that search and rescue operations were underway, but as of late Wednesday night, at least one person remained unaccounted for.
The helicopter, which belonged to Reach Air Medical Services, had departed from Oceanside in San Diego County and landed on Catalina Island earlier that evening. Flight tracking data showed it took off from Oceanside at 6:40 p.m. and landed on the island at 7:04 p.m.
Two people were taken to a hospital on Catalina Island, while two others were transported to the Ronald Reagan Medical Center at UCLA. The condition of the remaining person is unknown. Reach Air Medical Services said it was aware of the incident but could not provide further information, citing an immediate concern for the well-being of those involved.
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