Medevac Helicopter Crashes, Leaving 2 Dead, 1 Missing

A medical flight off California's coast ended in disaster Wednesday night. A medevac helicopter leaving Catalina Island for the mainland went down in the ocean around 7:53pm, reports KTLA, killing two people, leaving one missing, and sending two others to hospitals in stable condition, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. "Of the onboard patients, four of the five have been found," said LA County Fire Engineer Jonathan Torres. "There is still one outstanding." "This remains an active scene with search and rescue operations continuing throughout the night," the department said, per the AP.

The aircraft, reportedly operated by REACH Air Medical Services, is submerged in roughly 240 feet of water. Preliminary, unconfirmed details suggest a pilot, nurse, patient, and two others were on board. Crews from LA County Fire, the Sheriff's Department, the Coast Guard, and Avalon Fire are involved in an ongoing search-and-rescue effort. The National Transportation Safety Board is expected on scene Thursday and will lead the investigation once the wreckage is recovered and moved to a secure facility. Catalina Island is located about 22 miles off mainland Los Angeles County.