Three people have been killed and two others injured after a news helicopter crashed in the Chatsworth area of Los Angeles, sparking a fire and triggering a major emergency response.
The helicopter, identified as NBC Los Angeles’ NewsChopper4, was also used by Telemundo 52 and had been covering a deadly bus crash in the area when it went down shortly before 7 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
NBC4 confirmed that two of those on board were journalists Eliana Moreno and George Marciniw. The third victim was on the ground when the helicopter crashed and has not yet been publicly identified.
The aircraft came down between two commercial buildings, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The impact triggered a fire that spread to four vehicles and two storage containers, prompting the deployment of more than 70 firefighters.
The crash was broadcast against the backdrop of live coverage from NBC4, where veteran anchor Colleen Williams became emotional as she confirmed that the aircraft belonged to the station.
“We knew it was a news chopper. We knew we’d lost contact with our people out there, and we’ve just received confirmation,” Williams said during the broadcast.
LAFD Captain Branden Silverman said one person was found outside the helicopter after the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other people were taken to hospital with injuries.
Several news helicopters had reportedly been operating in the area as journalists covered an earlier collision involving a city bus.
Two people were killed and six others injured after an SUV crashed into the bus, according to CBS.
Tributes have since poured in from across Los Angeles. Mayor Karen Bass said she was “absolutely devastated” by the loss of life, while California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed condolences to the victims’ families and the NBC4 team.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the helicopter crash, as authorities work to determine what caused the aircraft to go down.
