A news helicopter crashed in Los Angeles while on assignment, leaving at least three people dead and one hospitalized. Following the incident, NBC Los Angeles anchor Colleen Williams confirmed on air that the crashed helicopter belonged to the station and that contact with the colleagues on board had been lost, creating a particularly somber atmosphere
The accident occurred shortly before 7 p.m. on the 15th in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, located approximately 40 kilometers from the city center. The news helicopter was covering a serious traffic accident—which had left at least two people dead and several others injured—when it crashed between two buildings and caught fire.
Initially, NBC Los Angeles reported on air that they were unable to contact the helicopter’s pilot and crew; it was only later confirmed that the crashed aircraft belonged to the station.
“We have been piecing together what happened,” Williams said during the live broadcast. “We know a news helicopter has crashed, and we know we have lost contact with the crew.” She subsequently confirmed that “NewsChopper 4” had crashed in Chatsworth just before 7 p.m., adding, “We are going to take a few minutes to reflect and process this, and then compose ourselves.”
The accident occurred shortly before 7 p.m. on the 15th in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, approximately 40 kilometers from the city center. The news helicopter was covering a serious traffic accident—which had left at least two people dead and several others injured—when it crashed between two buildings and caught fire.
Initially, NBC Los Angeles reported on air that they were unable to contact the helicopter’s pilot and crew; it was only later confirmed that the crashed aircraft belonged to the station.
Williams stated during the live broadcast, “We have been piecing together what happened. We know a news helicopter has crashed, and we know we have lost contact with the crew.” She subsequently confirmed that “NewsChopper 4” had crashed in Chatsworth shortly before 7 p.m., adding, “We are going to take a few moments to reflect and process this, and then compose ourselves.”
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) confirmed that three people died at the scene; their identities have not yet been released. Another person was transported to a local hospital with injuries of unknown severity. The fire department noted that the fire had been fully extinguished and did not spread to the buildings, though four vehicles and two storage containers sustained fire damage.
The LAFD earlier stated that one of the casualties was a person located outside the helicopter in a parking lot who died at the scene following the crash. At that time, fire officials were still unable to confirm exactly how many people had been on board the helicopter.