Tragic reports have confirmed the terrifying moment a helicopter crashed onto a freeway just a feet away from shocked drivers in California.
Three people on board were said to be rushed to a nearby hospital and were described as being in a critical condition after the medical aircraft lost control before plunging to the busy road and smashing straight into the ground.
Footage showed the chopper flying very low above Highway 50 near Howe Avenue in Sacramento.
Within a few seconds, it began to plummet towards the ground with huge plumes of smoke seen coming out across the highway as it smashed. Pictures showed the medical helicopter upside down in the middle of the road.
Smashed glass and debris could be seen strewn across the highway as firefighters and cops surrounded the wreckage.
Around 15 brave bystanders rushed to the crash site to assist in dragging victims from the wreckage, as per authorities.
Motorists shared their point of view of how they were just passing by after 7 pm local time as the helicopter spiraled out of control through the air. Someone called it a shaking and life-changing incident as victims were dragged out of the wreckage, according to authorities.
The helicopter crashed just a few inches from me, another declared, adding how the dust kicked up into their face and they could feel the wind of the propellers inside the car.