Three fatalities reported after helicopter crash in Los Angeles while covering bus collision

Three people have died and two others were taken to the hospital following a helicopter crash in suburban Los Angeles, according to fire authorities. NBC Los Angeles confirmed that the helicopter involved was its NewsChopper4, which also served Telemundo 52, and was in the area on Tuesday reporting on a deadly bus crash. The station's hosts stated that both individuals on the helicopter, identified as Eliana Moreno and George Marciniw, had died. The third victim was on the ground at the time of the crash, but their identity has not been disclosed. The aircraft went down just before 19:00 local time (01:00 BST) between two commercial buildings in the Chatsworth neighborhood, as reported by a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). Fire from the crash spread to four vehicles and two storage containers, prompting the deployment of more than 70 firefighters to the scene. During live coverage on NBC4, veteran news anchor Colleen Williams confirmed that it was the local news station's helicopter that had crashed, stating, "We knew it was a news chopper. We knew we'd lost contact with our people out there, and we've just received confirmation." Earlier, LAFD Captain Branden Silverman informed CBS, the BBC's US partner, that there was one confirmed patient who appeared to be outside of the helicopter when it crashed, and that person was declared deceased at the scene. Several news helicopters were in the area at the time, covering a bus crash that had occurred earlier in the day, which resulted in two fatalities and six injuries when an SUV collided with a city bus in Chatsworth. The LAPD's Central Division expressed condolences on X, stating they extended "thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and colleagues of KNBC 4, Los Angeles." Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her devastation on X, stating, "My heart is with the families and loved ones of those we lost in the tragic bus collision and helicopter crash." California Governor Gavin Newsom also shared his condolences on X, saying, "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. Thank you to the first responders working tirelessly tonight." The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the incident.