Three Killed in Helicopter Crash in Los Angeles

Photojournalist Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw were identified as two of the three individuals killed in the crash of an NBC Los Angeles helicopter in the Chatsworth neighborhood on Tuesday. The helicopter, known as NewsChopper4, was reporting on a separate bus crash that resulted in two fatalities. Fire officials confirmed that an unidentified pedestrian was also killed in the incident, with two additional individuals transported to a hospital for treatment. Tributes have poured in from the local news community, with NBC Los Angeles hosts referring to the victims as 'valued friends and colleagues.' CBS Los Angeles assignment editor Mike Rogers expressed the community's grief, stating, 'That helicopter community is a small group of people, and it's just devastating to know that this has happened to one of those people, to our friends and our colleagues at NBC4.' Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her devastation over the loss of life, stating, 'My heart is with the families and loved ones of those we lost in the tragic bus collision and helicopter crash.' The helicopter crashed around 19:00 local time (01:00 BST) between two commercial buildings, according to a spokesperson from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). The crash caused a fire that spread to four vehicles and two storage containers, prompting the deployment of over 70 firefighters to the scene. During live coverage, NBC4 anchor Colleen Williams confirmed the helicopter's involvement in the crash. LAFD Captain Branden Silverman noted that the third victim appeared to be on the ground at the time of the crash. The helicopter was in the area to cover a traffic collision involving an SUV and a city bus, which resulted in two deaths and six injuries. California Governor Gavin Newsom extended his condolences on social media, stating, '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.' The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct the investigation into the crash.