At least 3 people are dead after a NBC4 news helicopter crashed in Los Angeles Tuesday evening near the scene of a deadly Metro bus wreck, with a longtime anchor at the station crying while she said “we have lost contact with our people” live on the air.
The Los Angeles Fire Department said one of the people killed was likely a pedestrian who was not in the helicopter, while the other two victims were inside the aircraft.
At least 3 people are dead after a NBC4 news helicopter crashed.
First responders work on the scene after a news helicopter crashed in Chatsworth. AFP via Getty Images
“We have lost contact with our people,” Colleen Williams said while crying on air as she covered the story.
One surviving individual was rushed to a local hospital in grave condition, according to the LAFD.
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The helicopter landed in a parking lot near cars that were also on fire when firefighters arrived. KNN NEWS
The Los Angeles Fire Department said one of the people killed was likely a pedestrian who was not in the helicopter, while the other two victims were inside the aircraft. David Swanson for CA Post
The helicopter crashed between two commercial buildings around 7 p.m on the 9100 block of Mason Avenue, setting several nearby cars on fire.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, they found both the helicopter and the cars burning close to where emergency crews were already helping people from an earlier bus accident.
Flames had since been extinguished at the helicopter crash scene, but firefighters remained in the area, ABC 7 reported.
A helicopter crashed in a fiery wreck near the site of a fatal bus crash in Chatsworth on Tuesday.
First responders are seen at the scene of the NBC4 helicopter crash. David Swanson for CA Post
The aircraft came down just as emergency workers were managing the aftermath of that initial fatal wreck between the Metro bus and the other vehicle.
At least two people were killed in the bus crash, emergency personnel said.
Six others were injured and taken to hospitals in unknown condition.
First responders work the scene after a helicopter crashed near a bus crash in Chatsworth. AP Photo/Ethan Swope
First responders work the scene after a helicopter crashed near a bus crash in the Chatsworth. KABC-TV via AP
The bus collision was reported shortly after 5 p.m. near Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
“This is a heartbreaking night for our city. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and the loved ones we lost today.” Mayor Karen Bass said at a press conference at the scene.
Both the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are stepping in to investigate the helicopter crash.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass arrives at the scene of the NBC4 helicopter crash in Chatsworth. David Swanson for CA Post
The NTSB is taking the lead to figure out exactly what went wrong and caused the accident.
Meanwhile, the FAA will be checking the paperwork to make sure everyone followed the proper flying laws and licensing rules.