Three people died when a news helicopter crashed in the San Fernando Valley on Tuesday evening, not long after a deadly Metro bus crash in the same neighborhood. Both incidents took place in Chatsworth, California.
Los Angeles firefighters say the helicopter came down just before 7 p.m., landing on top of two shipping containers and several parked vehicles between two commercial buildings near the 9100 block of N. Mason Avenue.
Crash Site Details
Footage taken from above showed Los Angeles firefighters battling flames from a big fire that broke out after the crash and spread to other cars. Once the blaze had been put out, firefighters and Los Angeles police set up a canopy over one body.
The LAFD’s Capt. Branden Silverman informed reporters that a single person was discovered outside the helicopter after its crash. That individual was pronounced dead at the scene.
“At this point, we have not confirmed how many victims, or how many people, were inside the helicopter,” Silverman said.
Capt. Rico Gross said during a late Tuesday night press conference that two additional people died at the scene. He added that two more victims were transported to a nearby hospital in unknown condition. Officials stated later that two other people had been pronounced dead where the crash occurred. The extent of their injuries was not immediately made clear.
Helicopter Identification
The helicopter belonged to NBC Los Angeles, which confirmed the affiliation just before 9 p.m. on Tuesday.
None of the victims have been publicly identified.
Investigation Teams
Firefighters said the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were brought in to help with the probe, while Los Angeles police are conducting their own examination of the crash.
Silverman described the helicopter as badly damaged, which means investigators will need to go through the wreckage to find out how many people were on board and who they were.
The Bus Crash Context
On Tuesday, a bus from Metro crashed in the same neighborhood earlier.
On the same day, both crashes happened in the same location.
Official Statements
Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles, addressed the press at the news conference, describing the day as a tragic one for her city.
“This is a very, very tragic day in Los Angeles,” Bass said. “We lost five Angelenos today, and my hearts certainly go out to the families and friends to all of those that we lost. … This is a heartbreaking night for our city, and my thoughts and prayers are with first and foremost with the families and loved ones that we lost today.”
Angelenos were asked by Supervisor Lindsey Horvath to support each other through tough periods.
“Tonight is a time to care for the people who are hurting, to support our first responders and to stand together as a community,” Horvath said. “Chatsworth has experienced an incredibly difficult day. To everyone grieving, recovering or processing what they experienced today, we are here for you and we stand with you.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom 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,” Newsom’s post said. “Thank you to the first responders working tirelessly tonight.”
The Toll So Far
Five people died in Chatsworth on Tuesday:
- Three killed in the NBC Los Angeles news helicopter crash
- Two killed in the Metro bus crash
- One person found outside the helicopter, declared dead on scene
- Two other victims taken to a local hospital in unknown condition
Investigators will have to sift through the wreckage to establish who died and how many passengers were aboard, since the helicopter is badly destroyed.
What Happens Next
The probe is ongoing, with the FAA and the NTSB set to look into the aircraft and whatever evidence remains available.
Those who lost loved ones will demand to know what happened, while the people of the city grieve together.
This is a developing story. Check back for details.
See the video the story is built around at Cbsnews.
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