A medical helicopter crash near Catalina Island off the coast of California on Wednesday night resulted in two fatalities and left two others hospitalized, authorities reported. Emergency crews continued searching Thursday afternoon for a fifth individual who remains missing following the incident.
According to Coast Guard Capt. Stacey Crecy, the helicopter went down shortly after takeoff, striking the water a short distance from the island. The aircraft was reportedly transporting a patient from the island to the mainland for additional medical treatment.
Relatives of the missing passenger indicated the woman was being transferred due to an allergic reaction and that her 20-year-old son accompanied her on the flight to assist with translation. However, officials have not yet released the identities of those involved.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed that the two deceased were the male pilot and a female nurse onboard. Another medical personnel member, along with a fourth person—a man—were transported to hospitals for treatment following the crash.
The search operation has involved the Coast Guard, firefighters, and divers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, who worked through the night and into Thursday. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.