A tragic accident struck Los Angeles Tuesday evening when a news helicopter providing live coverage of a fatal Metro bus collision crashed in the Chatsworth neighborhood, about 25 miles northwest of downtown. The crash claimed the lives of three people and injured at least two others, officials said.
Victims identified
The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that pilot George Marciniw and aerial photojournalist‑reporter Eliana Moreno were among those killed on the scene. Both were employees of Angel City Air, the company that operates the helicopter for NBC4 and Telemundo 52. A third fatality was a pedestrian who was standing in the parking lot at the time of the crash, according to Fire Captain Branden Silverman.
Two additional individuals were transported to a local hospital with injuries, though their conditions were not immediately released.
Background on the crew
Marciniw, a Southern California native, graduated from Burbank High School in 1974. Moreno, born in Orange County, earned a degree in broadcast journalism and political science from Chapman University in 2010. She joined Angel City Air in September 2010 after reporting for several regional outlets. The two had been flying together since 2023, frequently sharing photos of their assignments on social media.
Official response
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass arrived at the crash site and called the day “very, very, very tragic.” She expressed her condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims, adding that her thoughts also went to those affected by the earlier bus collision that killed two people.
California Governor Gavin Newsom posted on Facebook, saying, “Our hearts are with the victims and families of tonight’s devastating Metro bus and helicopter crashes in Chatsworth, and with the entire NBC4 family.”
Investigation underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash. An NTSB investigator is expected to arrive on Wednesday morning, according to statements from the agency relayed by CNN.
Authorities have not yet released details about what may have caused the helicopter to go down. The investigation will examine flight data, weather conditions, and any mechanical issues that could have contributed to the accident.
Impact on local news coverage
The loss of two experienced news crew members is a blow to the Los Angeles media community. Both NBC4 and Telemundo 52 issued a joint statement expressing deep sorrow and gratitude for the dedication of Marciniw and Moreno, noting their commitment to delivering timely, accurate news to the public.
Residents of Chatsworth and the broader Los Angeles area are reminded to stay alert for updates from the NTSB and local authorities as the investigation proceeds.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
