Three people have died and two others were taken to hospital after a news helicopter crashed in suburban Los Angeles, fire authorities confirmed. The incident occurred just before 19:00 local time between two commercial buildings in the Chatsworth neighborhood. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the crash.

NBC Los Angeles confirmed the helicopter was its NewsChopper4, which also operated for Telemundo 52. The station's hosts identified the two people on the helicopter as Eliana Moreno and George Marciniw, describing them as 'valued friends and colleagues.' They noted a third victim was on the ground at the time of the crash but did not name them. A Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) spokesperson confirmed that the person on the ground was declared deceased on scene.

The crash occurred shortly after an SUV struck a city bus in Chatsworth, killing two people and injuring six others. The area was already under heavy media coverage, with several news helicopters present. During live coverage, NBC4 anchor Colleen Williams confirmed the crash, stating the station had lost contact with its reporters and had just received confirmation of the incident.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom both expressed their condolences on social media, acknowledging the tragic loss of life in both the bus collision and the helicopter crash. LAPD's Central Division also extended its thoughts and prayers to the families and colleagues of KNBC 4. No public response has been provided by the families of the victims or the news organization itself.

The crash caused fire to spread to four vehicles and two storage containers, prompting more than 70 firefighters to be deployed to the scene. The LAFD spokesperson, Captain Branden Silverman, confirmed the details of the third victim's death on scene. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, with the NTSB expected to provide further details in the coming days.

What remains unknown is the precise cause of the crash and whether any safety protocols were violated. The incident has raised questions about the risks faced by journalists covering live events, particularly in high-traffic areas. While the NTSB will determine the cause, the tragedy underscores the dangers of operating in such environments.