Three people were killed when an NBC Los Angeles helicopter crashed in the San Fernando Valley Tuesday night near the site of a deadly Metro bus crash in Chatsworth. The helicopter crash occurred shortly before 7 p.m. between two commercial buildings at a storage facility in the 9100 block of N. Mason Avenue, according to Los Angeles fire officials. The plane appeared to have landed on top of two shipping containers and several vehicles that were parked in the area. Around 9 p.m., NBCLA confirmed that the helicopter belonged to their station. NBCLA later identified the two victims aboard the helicopter as aerial news reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw. “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 night,” said a statement from NBCLA and Telemundo 52. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives.” LAFD Capt. Branden Silverman said a third victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities believe they were outside on the ground when the helicopter crashed. The Los Angeles County medical examiner identified the person as Edy Gutiérrez Mejía, 29. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, but aerial footage showed Los Angeles firefighters working to battle flames from a large fire that broke out after the crash and spread to nearby vehicles. Another victim was taken to a local hospital in unknown condition, the LAFD said. The nature of his injuries was not immediately known. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed they will investigate the helicopter crash. The FAA said the NTSB will lead the investigation. Both are expected to arrive at the scene on Wednesday. Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom speak on a tragic day. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other city leaders spoke during a press conference Tuesday night. “This is a very, very tragic day in Los Angeles,” Bass said during a news conference. “We lost five Angelenos today, and my heart certainly goes out to the families and friends of all those we lost… This is a heartbreaking night for our city, and my thoughts and prayers are, first and foremost, with the families and loved ones we lost today.” Supervisor Lindsey Horvath asked Angelenos to support each other during such difficult times. “Tonight is a time to care for people who are suffering, support our first responders and stand together as a community,” Horvath said. “Chatsworth has experienced an incredibly difficult day. To everyone grieving, recovering or processing what you experienced today, we are here for you and we support you.” California Governor Gavin Newsom also shared a message on Facebook on Tuesday night. “Our hearts go out to the victims and families of tonight’s devastating Metro bus and helicopter crashes in Chatsworth, and to the entire NBC4 family. Thank you to the first responders who worked tirelessly tonight,” Newsom’s post read. The Los Angeles Police Department offered its deepest condolences to the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones of those who died during the accident. “The LAPD recognizes and values the vital role our media partners play in serving our community,” the LAPD said in a statement. “Your commitment to informing the public (often under difficult and unpredictable circumstances) is essential to public safety.” CBS LA anchors and reporters also spoke about the tragedy that impacted the tight-knit news community in Los Angeles after the helicopter’s affiliation was confirmed. “It was a double tragedy,” said CBS LA’s Desmond Shaw. “I don’t want the poor people who were caught up in today’s bus accident; I don’t want them to be forgotten either… Obviously I just have to give my deepest condolences to NBC and the families of the crew on board.” “Our hearts go out to all of them. This is when we all come together for something like this, even if you’ve never met the person,” said CBS LA anchor Pat Harvey. “I mean we support each other.” “That helicopter community is a small group of people, and it’s just devastating to know that this has happened to one of those people, our friends and colleagues at NBC4,” said CBS LA assignment editor Mike Rogers. “Our hearts are broken with you.” NBCLA Mourns Loss of Colleagues NBCLA and Telemundo 52 are mourning the loss of two of their colleagues, Moreno and Marciniw. Reporters and hosts shared tributes and memories they shared with Moreno and Marciniw. The station reported that Moreno was born in Orange County and graduated in 2010 from Chapman University. He studied television journalism and political science. NBCLA added that he joined Angel City Air’s helicopter team in September 2010. Moreno worked at other Southern California news outlets, including CBS LA. Marciniw also grew up in Southern California and graduated from Burbank High School in 1974. They began flying together in 2023. CBS LA’s Mark Liu said he previously worked with Moreno when she was beginning her career as a news helicopter reporter. “I had the opportunity to work with her when I was an assignment manager when I was in the newsroom back then,” Liu said. “What I remember about her is that she was very enthusiastic and excited about this job. She described it as one of the best jobs in television news.” CBS LA reporter Rick Montanez also previously worked with Moreno. He described her as passionate and dedicated to covering the news. “I worked with her on many breaking news stories during the years I spent in the NBC newsroom covering wildfires and covering breaking news throughout Southern California,” Montanez said. “You could feel the passion in her for this, this calling.” More from CBS News
