The three injured were on helicopters, according to the Sacramento Fire Department.
The victims, two women and one man were taken to a local hospital, Sacramento Fire Chief Justin Sylvia told reporters from the scene. One of the victims was rescued after being trapped under a helicopter, he said, CNN reported.
“The captain quickly quarantined the help of the standing civilians. They were able to lift up some of the helicopter and drive out the victim,” Sylvia said.
FAA records show that helicopters were registered to reach aviation medical services. The patient was not on board, but pilots, nurses and paramedics were on board, Sylvia told reporters.
“We have a field of pretty big pieces,” Sylvia said.
Aerial video in the aftermath showed a red helicopter on its side with broken cockpit windows and debris on the highway surface.
Firefighters and ambulances were sent to the site around 7:08pm local time, the department said.
MA/PR