Los Angeles: A helicopter operated by NBC Los Angeles crashed in Chatsworth while covering the aftermath of a deadly SUV and Metro bus collision, leaving three people dead and another injured, according to local authorities.
The helicopter reportedly went down around 7 pm near North Mason Avenue, close to the location of the earlier road accident. The crash triggered a fire that spread to nearby parked vehicles and storage containers. More than 50 firefighters responded to the scene and brought the blaze under control.
The helicopter had been covering an earlier collision involving an SUV and a Metro bus near Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue. That crash reportedly killed two people and left six others injured.
Three people were pronounced dead at the helicopter crash site, while another person was taken to a hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet released the identities of those killed or provided complete details about everyone aboard the aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash. The cause of the incident has not yet been determined.
Dramatic visuals from the scene showed flames and emergency crews rushing to the area as firefighters worked to contain the fire. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.