LIVE UPDATES: NBCLA helicopter crash in Chatsworth leaves 3 dead hours after deadly bus collision
LOS ANGELES - A federal investigation is underway in the San Fernando Valley Wednesday after double tragedy struck, including a fatal crash involving a news helicopter.
Five people lost their lives in two separate incidents in Chatsworth, while several others were hospitalized.
NTSB investigating deadly LA news helicopter crash
An NBCLA news helicopter crashed in Chatsworth Tuesday evening, killing a pilot, an aerial reporter, and a pedestrian on the ground near the site of a separate fatal Metro bus collision.
What we know:
Los Angeles City first responders were initially called to a crash at the intersection of Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue just after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
"A Metro Line 166 bus traveling eastbound on Nordhoff Street was struck by a vehicle traveling southbound on De Soto Avenue," according to LA Metro officials.
Two people died at the scene, while six others, including the driver of the SUV, were injured and taken to the hospital. The SUV driver, identified as 36-year-old Bailee Rios, was arrested and booked on $2.03 million bail on murder charges for allegedly causing the fatal crash.
RELATED:
- Chatsworth helicopter crash: 3 killed, including NBCLA pilot and aerial reporter
- Woman arrested in Chatsworth bus crash that left 2 dead, 6 injured
Simi Valley woman faces murder charge in deadly bus crash
Officials identified the suspect of a deadly bus crash in Chatsworth as 36-year-old Bailee Rios. Two people were killed and six others were injured.
Roughly two hours later, as first responders were in the early stages of investigating the collision and local media outlets covered the scene, a second tragedy occurred.
While capturing aerial footage of the crash site, an NBCLA helicopter crashed nearly a block away on North Mason Avenue. Authorities reported one pedestrian was struck and killed on the ground, while two people aboard the aircraft died at the scene. Those in the helicopter were identified by the station as aerial reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw. In addition, the LA County Medical Examiner's Office identified the victim killed on the ground as 29-year-old Edy Guiterrez Mejia.
SkyFOX's Stu Mundel remembers NBCLA helicopter pilot, aerial reporter killed in crash
Three people were killed after an NBCLA news helicopter crashed and caught fire in Chatsworth on Tuesday. The victims on board were identified as pilot George Marciniw and reporter Eliana Moreno, who provided aerial coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52. A pedestrian on the ground was also killed in the incident. The crash occurred near Mason Avenue and Nordhoff Street, just a block away from where crews were already responding to a separate deadly Metro bus collision earlier that evening. Fellow news reporters, including SkyFOX’s Stu Mundel, shared emotional reactions on air as news of the tragedy broke. The NTSB and FAA are currently investigating the cause of the crash.
Station officials said they lost contact with their air crew around 7 p.m. and confirmed on-air by 8:55 p.m. that the aircraft belonged to NBCLA.
NBCLA releases a statement
"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," NBCLA wrote in a released statement.
Timeline:
Below is a timeline of events on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
- 5:02 p.m.: LA Fire Department crews respond to a fatal collision between an SUV and an LA Metro Line 166 bus at Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue. Two people are pronounced dead, and six others are injured.
- 7 p.m.: An NBCLA news helicopter covering the bus crash site crashes on North Mason Avenue, roughly a block away. NBCLA loses communication with its crew.
- 7:15 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Emergency responders confirm three additional fatalities at the helicopter crash site—two crew members aboard the aircraft and one pedestrian on the ground.
- 8:55 p.m.: NBCLA officially confirms live on air that the helicopter involved in the crash belonged to their news station.
Community shaken by news helicopter crash
The Los Angeles local news community is left shaken after the NBCLA helicopter crashed while covering a nearby bus crash in Chatsworth.
What they're saying:
"I’m absolutely devastated by the loss of life in Chatsworth tonight. My heart is with the families and loved ones of those we lost in the tragic bus collision and helicopter crash," said LA Mayor Karen Bass. I’m grateful to the City teams who responded so quickly. Please stay clear of the area as public safety officials remain on scene."
Officials offer sympathy for NBCLA chopper crash victims
In a statement, Gov. Gavin Newsom said in part, "Our hearts are with the victims and families of the devastating Metro bus and helicopter crashes in Chatsworth, and with the entire NBC4 family."
"I am shocked and deeply saddened by today’s tragic helicopter crash involving members of the NBC4 family. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this devastating loss, especially the families, friends, and colleagues of those who lost their lives. I extend my deepest condolences to the entire NBC4 community during this incredibly difficult time," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
LA Metro also released a statement saying, "Metro thanks the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for their prompt response to the scene. The Los Angeles Police Department is leading the investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the LA Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-TIPS or 800-222-8477,"
What's next:
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said their investigators, along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will arrive in Chatsworth on Wednesday to begin looking into the cause of the helicopter crash.
Meanwhile, the LAPD continues its investigation into the initial Metro bus collision.
The Source: This story was written with information from the Los Angeles Fire Department, statements from the NTSB and LA city officials, as well as a previous FOX 11 report.