3 killed after TV news helicopter crashes near site of deadly Los Angeles bus collision
The helicopter belonging to NBC station KNBC crashed near the scene of a large bus crash that left at least three people dead.
LOS ANGELES -- At least three people were killed after a television news helicopter belonging to KNBC, the NBC station in Los Angeles, crashed near the scene of a deadly bus collision on Tuesday evening, authorities said.
The helicopter crashed between two commercial buildings in the 9100 block of Mason Avenue in Chatsworth around 7 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department said. In addition to the three people who died at the scene, one person nearby was taken to the hospital after suffering an apparent panic attack.
NBC4 confirmed on air shortly before 9 p.m. that the aircraft that crashed was the station's helicopter.
"We are going to take a couple of minutes to think about that, to process and to regroup," NBC4 news anchor Colleen Williams said during the live broadcast.
NBC4 later confirmed reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw died in the crash.
We are deeply saddened to share that a helicopter providing aerial news coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52 was involved in a fatal accident in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives," NBC4 and Telemundo 52 said in a statement late Tuesday.
An LAFD spokesperson said one of the people killed was a pedestrian on the ground.
Firefighters said the helicopter was fully engulfed in flames when they arrived.
The fire department said four vehicles and two storage containers were damaged by the fire.
"This is a heartbreaking night for our city, and my thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with the families and loved ones that we lost today," L.A. Mayor Karen Bass said at a news conference late Tuesday. "Our hearts are with those impacted by the bus collision and the helicopter crash, and with the entire community who lost members of their team while they were doing their job."
Gov. Gavin Newsom thanked first responders for "working tirelessly tonight."
"Our hearts are with the victims and families of tonight's devastating Metro bus and helicopter crashes in Chatsworth, and with the entire NBC4 family," Newsom said.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration will investigate.
The crash occurred less than a mile from the scene of a large bus collision that left at least two people dead. Footage showed an SUV lodged into a Metro bus and people being treated nearby.
ABC News contributed to this report
