Three people dead after news helicopter crashes in Los Angeles area
CHATSWORTH, Calif. (KESQ) - Three people were killed when an NBC4 helicopter crashed while covering a fatal SUV-bus crash in the LA suburb of Chatsworth.
Reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw were killed aboard NewsChopper4, which is operated by Angel City Air and provided news coverage for NBC4 and its Spanish-language sister station, Telemundo 52, NBC4 announced.
Moreno and Marciniw were both employees of Angel City Air.
Moreno was born in Orange County and graduated from Chapman University in 2010. She joined the Angel City Air helicopter team in September 2010 and reported for several Southern California media outlets.
Marciniw grew up in Southern California, graduating from Burbank High School in 1974.
They began flying together in 2023.
NBC4 confirmed that it was their helicopter.
"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."
-Statement from NBC4 and Telemundo 52
The other person killed was on the ground, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
A person taken to a hospital was a worker at a warehouse near the site of the helicopter crash who was in the parking lot at the time of the crash, who was "shaken up more emotionally than physically,'' according to "LA Live News Tonight.''
Moreno and Marciniw were covering the collision between an SUV and Metro bus that left three dead near the site of the helicopter crash.
The crash occurred just before 7 p.m. between two commercial buildings at 9151 Mason Ave., near Nordhoff Street, the LAFD reported.
The helicopter crash ignited a fire exposing four vehicles, said Jennifer Middleton of the Los Angeles Fire Department. The fire was extinguished.
Four automobiles and two storage containers were damaged by the fire, Middleton said.
"I'm absolutely devastated by the loss of life in Chatsworth tonight,'' Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement shared on social media. "My heart is with the families and loved ones of those we lost in the tragic bus collision and helicopter crash."
"I'm grateful to the City teams who responded so quickly. Please stay clear of the area as public safety officials remain on scene.''
Gov. Gavin Newsom thanked the first responders for "working tirelessly throughout the night.''
"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. "Thank you to the first responders working tirelessly tonight."
The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation of the crash.
The crash was the second fatal crash involving a helicopter reporting for NBC4. On Aug. 1, 1977, a Bell 206 news helicopter piloted by Francis Gary Powers ran out of fuel and crashed into a field near Encino, killing Powers and the aircraft's only passenger, cameraman George Spears.
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.
