Three dead after LA news helicopter crashes while covering deadly bus collision
The NBCLA news helicopter was flying near the scene of a fatal bus crash.
LOS ANGELES, September 16 - A news helicopter crashed into a residential neighborhood in Los Angeles, resulting in the deaths of three people. The incident occurred during live coverage of a separate fatal bus accident in the Chatsworth area, northwest of downtown. The city's news outlets had been mobilized to report on the bus crash, which had killed three others and left many injured.
Witnesses at the bus crash site reported hearing a loud bang and seeing a helicopter crash nearby, sending plumes of smoke into the sky. Aerial footage revealed a large fire involving shipping containers and cars, along with the wreckage of the helicopter. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the helicopter was a media chopper, and the NBC4 affiliate reported live that the crew had lost contact.
Colleen Williams, a veteran news anchor from NBC4, confirmed it was their own helicopter that had crashed. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene, where four patients were initially assessed. Three of those patients were confirmed deceased on the scene, while one remained in unknown condition at a local hospital.
Among the deceased was a pedestrian who was struck by the crash. Los Angeles is known for its competitive media market, where TV stations often employ helicopters to cover a variety of incidents, from fires to car chases. Typically, a news media helicopter carries two people—the pilot and the reporter-camera operator who frequently provides live coverage from the air.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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