3 dead after NBC Los Angeles news helicopter crashes near site of deadly bus crash in Chatsworth
By Dean Fioresi
Three people were killed when an NBC Los Angeles helicopter crashed in the San Fernando Valley on Tuesday night near the scene of a deadly Metro bus crash in Chatsworth.
The crash happened just before 7 p.m. between two commercial buildings near the 9100 block of N. Mason Avenue, according to Los Angeles firefighters. The aircraft appeared to have landed on top of two shipping containers and several vehicles that were parked in the area.
Circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, but aerial footage showed Los Angeles firefighters working to fight the flames from a large fire that broke out after the crash and spread to the nearby vehicles.
Firefighters and Los Angeles police erected a canopy over one body after the fire was extinguished.
“We do have one confirmed patient that seemed to be outside of the helicopter when it crashed,” said LAFD Captain Branden Silverman. “That person was declared deceased on scene. … At this point, we have not confirmed how many victims, or how many people, were inside the helicopter.”
LAFD officials later said that two other people were declared dead at the spot of the crash. A fourth victim was taken to a local hospital in unknown condition.
“The helicopter itself, it’s pretty well destroyed, so we are going to have to go through the rubble and see how many victims there were on board, as well as identify the helicopter,” Silverman said.
Just before 9 p.m., NBC LA confirmed that the helicopter belonged to their station.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were contacted to assist with the investigation, firefighters said. Los Angeles police are also investigating the crash.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass took to social media to share her condolences on Tuesday night.
“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,” Bass’ post on X said. “I’m grateful to the City teams who responded so quickly.”
The Mayor is expected to address the media at around 10 p.m. regarding information surrounding the crash.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom also shared a message on Facebook late Tuesday.
“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.Thank you to the first responders working tirelessly tonight,” Newsom’s post said.
This is a developing story. Check back for details.
