Three dead after LA news helicopter crashes while covering deadly bus collision

BySareen Habeshian Reporting fromLos Angeles. 16 September 2026, 03: 55 BST.

Key points

• Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass wrote on X she was "absolutely devastated by the loss of life in Chatsworth tonight".
• The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) remarked it was not yet known how numerous individuals were onboard, and no victim names had been issued.
• LAPD's Central Division posted on X that it extended "thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and colleagues of KNBC 4, Los Angeles".
• The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the incident.
• During emotional live coverage on NBC4, veteran news anchor Colleen Williams confirmed it was the local news station's helicopter that crashed.

Three individuals have died and two others taken to hospital after a news helicopter crashed in suburban Los Angeles, fire authorities in the city have stated.

NBC Los Angeles confirmed the helicopter was its NewsChopper4. It additionally operated for Telemundo 52, and was in the area on Tuesday reporting on a deadly bus crash.

Meanwhile, the aircraft went down just before 19: 00 local time (01: 00 BST) between two commercial buildings in the Chatsworth neighbourhood, a Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) spokesperson informed the BBC.

For context, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) remarked it was not yet known how numerous individuals were onboard, and no victim names had been issued.

Fire from the crash spread to four vehicles and two storage containers, and more than 70 firefighters were deployed to the scene, the LAFD remarked.

"We knew it was a news chopper. We knew we'd lost contact with our individuals out there, and we've just received confirmation, " Williams stated.

Earlier, LAFD Captain Branden Silverman informed the local affiliate of the BBC's US partner CBS: We do have one confirmed patient that seemed to be outside of the helicopter when it crashed. That person was declared deceased on scene, Silverman remarked.

Meanwhile, a number of news helicopters were in the area at the time of the incident reporting on a bus crash.

Earlier in the day, two individuals were killed and six others were injured after an SUV crashed into a city bus in Chatsworth, BBC's US partner CBS noted.

"My heart is with the families and loved ones of those we lost in the tragic bus collision and helicopter crash, " she continued.

California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X that "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". "Thank you to the first responders working tirelessly tonight."

For context, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the incident.

Taken together, the developments around three dead after LA news helicopter crashes while covering deadly bus collision point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.