News helicopter crashes in LA
Three people were killed on Tuesday when a news helicopter crashed in a Los Angeles neighbourhood. The aircraft had been covering a deadly bus crash in Chatsworth, northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
The helicopter came down near the scene of the earlier accident. A large fire was then seen in the area.
Bus crash had killed three
The news crews had gathered after an SUV struck a bus in Chatsworth. Three people were killed in that crash. Several others were also injured.
Reporters at the scene later described hearing a loud bang. Some said the helicopter appeared to fall about a block away. Thick smoke was then seen rising into the sky.
Firefighters sent to scene
A large emergency response was launched. Dozens of firefighters were sent to the crash site, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Four patients were assessed at the scene.
“Three patients have been determined deceased on scene,” the department said.
One person was taken to a local hospital. Their condition was not immediately known.
News station confirms loss
The helicopter was initially identified only as a media aircraft. The local NBC4 affiliate said contact with its crew had been lost. The station later confirmed that its own helicopter had crashed. The announcement was made during live coverage by veteran anchor Colleen Williams.
“We knew it was a news chopper,” Williams said.
“We knew we’d lost contact with our people out there, and we’ve just received confirmation.”
The identities of those killed were not immediately released.
Aerial reporting under scrutiny
Los Angeles has a highly competitive television news market. Helicopters are often used to cover fires, road crashes and police pursuits. The aircraft provide live images from above. But the city’s busy skies also create risks for news crews.
A typical news helicopter carries two people. They are usually a pilot and a reporter-camera operator. The cause of Tuesday’s crash had not been confirmed in the initial reports.
Authorities were expected to investigate the incident.
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