Reporter, pilot and pedestrian ID'd as 3 killed in Los Angeles TV news helicopter crash
LOS ANGELES -- Three people were killed after an NBC4 news helicopter crashed near the scene of a deadly bus collision in Chatsworth, California, on Tuesday evening, authorities said.
The helicopter crashed between two commercial buildings in the 9100 block of Mason Avenue around 7 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department said.
NBC4 confirmed on air shortly before 9 p.m. that the aircraft that crashed was the station's helicopter.
MORE COVERAGE: Witness describes aftermath of NBC4 helicopter crash in Chatsworth
"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.
An LAFD spokesperson said one of the people killed was a pedestrian on the ground. On Wednesday, the coroner's office identified that victim as 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia.
"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.
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Moreno, from Orange County, graduated from Chapman University with a degree in broadcast journalism and political science. She had been flying in news choppers since 2010.
Marciniw grew up in Southern California and was a 1974 graduate of Burbank High School. He began flying with Moreno in 2023.
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 and another person was also hospitalized in unknown condition.
Firefighters said the helicopter was fully engulfed in flames when they arrived. A thick plume of black smoke rose into the air.
The fire department said four vehicles and two storage containers were damaged by the fire. The fire was quickly put out.
Officials provide update after NBC4 helicopter crashes, killing 3
"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 was a few blocks from the scene of a large bus collision that left three dead and several others injured. Footage showed an SUV lodged into a Metro bus and people being treated nearby.
ABC News contributed to this report.
