Posted by Chinenye on Wed 16th Sep, 2026 - tori.ng
A news helicopter has crashed in Los Angeles while covering another deadly accident, killing three people and sending two others to the hospital.
(Helicopter Crash Site. Photo by BBC News)
Three people have died and two others are in hospital after a news helicopter crashed in suburban Los Angeles, fire officials said.
The helicopter belonged to NBC Los Angeles and also worked for Telemundo 52.
It was in the area on Tuesday covering a deadly bus crash.
The station confirmed that two people on the helicopter, described as valued friends and colleagues, died.
They were named as Eliana Moreno and George Marciniw.
A third victim was on the ground when the crash happened, though the station did not name them.
The aircraft came down just before 7pm local time in the Chatsworth neighbourhood, landing between two commercial buildings.
Fire from the crash spread to four vehicles and two storage containers.
More than 70 firefighters were sent to the scene.
During coverage on the station, veteran news anchor Colleen Williams confirmed it was their helicopter.
She said they knew it was a news chopper and that they'd lost contact with their people, and had just received confirmation of the crash.
Several news helicopters were in the area at the time reporting on the bus crash.
Earlier that day, an SUV had crashed into a city bus in Chatsworth, killing two people and injuring six others.
The Los Angeles Police Department posted on social media offering thoughts and prayers to the families, friends and colleagues of NBC4.
Mayor Karen Bass said on social media she was deeply devastated by the loss of life and that her heart was with families and loved ones affected by both crashes.
California Governor Gavin Newsom also posted on social media saying hearts were with the victims and families of the bus and helicopter crashes, and thanked first responders working at the scene.
The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation.