At least three people were killed Tuesday evening when a news helicopter crashed in Los Angeles near the site of a deadly Metro bus collision. During NBC4’s live coverage, longtime anchor Colleen Williams broke down in tears as she said, “we have lost contact with our people.”
The Los Angeles Fire Department said one of those killed was believed to be a pedestrian who was not aboard the helicopter.
Authorities had not immediately identified everyone involved. Early reports indicated that the helicopter was operated by KNBC.
“We have lost contact with our people,” Williams said through tears while reporting on the crash for NBC4.
The LAFD said three people were pronounced dead at the scene, while another person was transported to a nearby hospital in grave condition.
The helicopter went down between two commercial buildings in the 9100 block of Mason Avenue, igniting several vehicles nearby.
Firefighters arriving at the scene found the helicopter and multiple cars engulfed in flames, just a short distance from emergency crews responding to the earlier bus crash.
The flames were later extinguished, although firefighters continued working in the area, ABC 7 reported.
The helicopter crash occurred as first responders were still handling a separate fatal collision nearby involving a Metro bus and another vehicle.
Emergency personnel said at least two people died in that bus crash.
Six additional people were injured and taken to hospitals. Their conditions were not immediately known.
The bus collision was reported shortly after 5 p.m. near the intersection of Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the helicopter crash.
This is a developing story.
