Three people were killed and another person was rushed to a hospital after an NBC4 Los Angeles news helicopter crashed while covering a deadly traffic collision Tuesday evening.
Aerial reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw died at the scene when the helicopter plummeted to the ground and erupted into flames on Sept. 15.
The aircraft, known as NewsChopper4, was operated by Angel City Air, according to published reports. The chopper provided aerial coverage for NBC4 and Spanish-language sister station Telemundo 52.
“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,” the stations said in a joint statement.
The helicopter crashed between two commercial buildings at 6:57 p.m. The crash happened in the 9000 block of North Mason Avenue in the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles, according to an L.A. Fire Department incident report.
The third person who died was standing on the ground near the location of the crash, ABC7 reported. One other person was taken to a hospital. That person’s condition was not immediately released.
L.A. Metro bus collision involved a black SUV. News footage from the scene showed the bus lodged in the side of the bus after apparently T-boning the bus around 5 p.m., during rush hour. The bus crash left two people dead and six others injured.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass went to the crash site and spoke at a news conference. She also released a statement on social media.
“This is a tragic night for Los Angeles. My thoughts are with those impacted by the bus collision and the helicopter crash, and with the entire NBC4 family who lost members of their team while they were doing their jobs,” the statement read.
“I’m deeply grateful to our firefighters, paramedics, and police officers who responded immediately to two incredibly difficult scenes to save lives and render aid.”
Bass said the National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into what caused the helicopter to crash.
In an emotional moment following the news conference, she and members of the police and fire departments hugged the NBC4 news team that was covering the tragedy.
Discover more from Urban Hollywood 411
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
