Dozens Of Strangers Lift Crashed Helicopter To Save Trapped Medic In Sacramento Miracle

October 11, 2025

A terrifying scene on a Sacramento freeway turned into a remarkable moment of unity when dozens of drivers rushed to help after a medical helicopter went down Monday evening.

The REACH Air Medical helicopter had just left a nearby hospital after transporting a patient when it experienced an in-air emergency and crashed onto State Route 50, east of downtown Sacramento. Within seconds, people pulled their cars over, running toward the wreckage as smoke poured from the aircraft.

Among the first on scene was Sacramento Fire Capt. Peter Vandersluis, who quickly realized there was no time to wait for backup. A paramedic was trapped beneath the helicopter, still strapped in by her seat belt. Vandersluis called out for help — and about 15 to 20 bystanders immediately answered.

“When I shouted ‘lift,’ they lifted. When I said ‘hold,’ they held,” Vandersluis told the Associated Press. “They didn’t hesitate — they just followed my commands, and we were able to lift it up with ease.”

One firefighter slid under the helicopter, cut the paramedic’s seat belt, and pulled her to safety. Once she was free, the group carefully lowered the aircraft back down.

“As soon as I saw people pushing the helicopter, I just ran over and got in line,” witness Aimee Braddock told KCRA-TV. “We held it for several minutes so the first responder could get the person out.”

Fire officials called it a miracle that no one on the busy highway was injured.

Kenneth and Terry De Crescenzo, another couple who witnessed the crash, described the moment as “being in the right place at the right time.” Kenneth helped lift the helicopter while Terry recorded the dramatic rescue.

Watch the video below: