Eliana Moreno was among three people killed when an NBC4 news helicopter crashed in Chatsworth while covering a nearby Metro bus crash.

Eliana Moreno, a familiar aerial reporter on NBC4 and Telemundo 52, was one of the three people who died in the crash of the helicopter operated by the television station called NewsChopper4 in the area of Chatsworth, Los Angeles, on Tuesday evening while reporting an incident of the collision of Metro bus. NBC Los Angeles later confirmed the victims aboard the helicopter included Moreno and pilot George Marciniw.

What happened in the collision?

The crash occurred just before 7 p.m., at the 9100 block of North Mason Avenue, between two commercial buildings. The helicopter belonged to the company Angel City Air and was covering for NBC4 and Telemundo 52.

This accident caused a big fire, which destroyed four cars and two storage containers. There were more than 50 firefighters that attended the site and they managed to put out the fire. In addition, there was one person who died on the ground and there was another person who had to go to hospital. Brandon Silverman, public information officer for LAFD described the wreckage as severely damaged.

“From the helicopter itself, it's pretty well destroyed,” Silverman said.

The rescue operation went on as the firefighters and medical teams were attempting to find out what actually happened and how many people there were on board that plane.

Why was the helicopter covering the area?

NewsChopper4 was on scene because there were some television helicopters reporting on a previous accident where a Metro bus collided with another vehicle. This accident, which occurred about 5 p.m. near West Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue, had resulted in fatalities of at least two individuals as well as injuries to other individuals. The helicopter accident occurred within less than a mile from this location.

NBC4 and Telemundo 52 said in a statement that they were “deeply saddened” by the fatal accident and extended condolences to the victims’ families, friends and colleagues. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also expressed her grief, saying the city had suffered a heartbreaking loss and that the community would be grieving for some time.

What Happens Next?

As far as Business Fortune observes, the cause of the helicopter crash remains unclear. There is the expectation that the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration will be investigating the case. They will try to find out what led to this disaster by examining the pieces of wreckage among others.

As for now, this incident has left NBC4, Telemundo 52, and the Los Angeles media community in grief over the loss of Moreno and Marciniw.

FAQs

Who was Eliana Moreno?

Eliana Moreno was an aerial journalist who provided helicopter-based news coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52 in Southern California.

What happened to NewsChopper4?

The helicopter crashed in Chatsworth shortly before 7 p.m. Tuesday while covering news near an earlier Metro bus collision.

How many people died in the helicopter crash?

Three people were killed. Another person was taken to a hospital after the crash.

Who operated the helicopter?

NewsChopper4 was operated by Angel City Air and provided aerial coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52.

What is being done to determine the cause?

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash.