Medical helicopter crashes in sea off Catalina Island as 2 dead and one missing

Medical helicopter crashes in sea off Catalina Island as 2 dead and one missing At least two people have died after a medical helicopter carrying five people crashed into the water near Catalina Island, off the coast of southern California At least two people have died after a medical helicopter carrying five people crashed into the ocean off the coast of California. The helicopter crashed off the coast of Catalina Island, one of the state's Channel Islands, on Wednesday evening, killing two of those on board, injuring two others and prompting a search in the water for the fifth person. "This remains an active scene with search and rescue operations continuing throughout the night," the Los Angeles County Fire Department said. Two of four people who were rescued from the water were taken to the hospital and another two were pronounced dead at the scene, the department said. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said in a statement: "I have been informed that a medevac helicopter leaving Catalina Island has crashed shortly after takeoff." "LA County Fire, Sheriff, Coast Guard, and Avalon Fire are on the scene," she added. "Search and rescue operations are underway and I am praying for everyone who was on board." The National Transportation Safety Board has been informed of the crash. This is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link. You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage.