At least three people were killed after an NBC4 News helicopter crashed in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening near the scene of an earlier deadly Metro bus accident, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
One of those killed was believed to have been a pedestrian who was not aboard the helicopter, the LAFD said. A fourth person was taken to a local hospital in grave condition, the New York Post has learned.
The helicopter crashed at about 7 p.m. on the 9100 block of Mason Avenue, coming down between two commercial buildings and setting several nearby vehicles on fire.
Firefighters arriving at the scene found the helicopter and the cars engulfed in flames near the location where emergency crews were already responding to the earlier bus crash.
The incident unfolded as NBC4 was covering the developing story. Longtime station anchor Colleen Williams broke down in tears on air while reporting the crash.
“We have lost contact with our people,” Williams said.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the incident as a devastating blow to the city during a news conference at the scene.
“This is a heartbreaking night for our city. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and the loved ones we lost today,” Bass said.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the helicopter crash. Authorities have not yet released further details about the circumstances that led to the crash.
By Tamilla Hasanova
