Los Angeles news helicopter crash kills three, injures one

A news helicopter operated by NBC Los Angeles crashed Saturday afternoon while filming aerial footage of a fatal Metro bus collision on the 101 Freeway near downtown. The aircraft, a Bell 206 model, went down shortly after entering the crash zone, prompting an immediate emergency response. Both pilots aboard the helicopter were rescued with non‑life‑threatening injuries, while emergency crews continued to treat the victims of the bus crash, which left three passengers dead and several others hospitalized.

Authorities from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Los Angeles County Fire Department are conducting a joint investigation into the helicopter’s loss, focusing on possible mechanical failure or pilot error. The incident temporarily halted NBC’s live coverage of the incident, and the network has redirected its reporting to ground teams. Officials emphasized that safety protocols will be reviewed to prevent similar occurrences during future aerial news operations.