Journalist, Pilot Killed As News Helicopter Crashes While Covering Bus Crash
The NBC Los Angeles helicopter crashed in Chatsworth while covering a deadly bus collision, killing a journalist, pilot and a third person.
- Journalist Eliana Moreno killed.
- Pilot George Marciniw also died.
- Third person killed on the ground.
A journalist and a pilot are among three people who have died after an NBC Los Angeles news helicopter crashed in the Chatsworth area of Los Angeles.
The victims have been identified as photojournalist Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw, according to NBC Los Angeles.
The NewsChopper4 helicopter, which also operated for Telemundo 52, was in the area on Tuesday to cover a deadly bus crash when it went down shortly before 19:00 local time.
Los Angeles Fire Department officials said the helicopter crashed between two commercial buildings in Chatsworth, with fire from the wreckage spreading to four vehicles and two storage containers.
More than 70 firefighters responded to the scene.
A third person, believed to have been on the ground at the time of the crash, was also killed. Two other people were taken to hospital.
NBC Los Angeles confirmed the crash during an emotional live broadcast, with veteran anchor Colleen Williams saying the station had lost contact with its crew before receiving confirmation of the deaths.
The helicopter had been covering a separate traffic collision involving an SUV and a city bus that left two people dead and six others injured.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the helicopter crash.
