A news helicopter operated by NBC4 Los Angeles crashed in a residential area of Chatsworth, San Fernando Valley, on Tuesday (September 15, 2026), killing at least three people and injuring others, according to officials. The crash occurred near a commercial building as news crews were covering a separate bus collision that had taken place hours earlier. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed the incident, with Captain Branden Silverman stating that at least one of the deceased was outside in the parking lot adjacent to the building. The status of the other two victims remains unclear, with officials still determining how many were on board the aircraft.

The helicopter, identified as NewsChopper4, was operated by Angel City Air, according to NBCLA. The crash occurred approximately 1.5 miles from the bus collision, which had resulted in at least two deaths and six injuries. Photos and videos showed the SUV partially embedded in the side of an MTA bus. The fire department reported that at least four cars and two storage containers caught fire after the helicopter crashed, though the blaze was quickly extinguished. Over 50 firefighters responded to the scene.

An NBC4 Los Angeles anchor, Colleen Williams, confirmed the crash during a live broadcast, her voice shaking with emotion. She stated, "We are going to take a couple of minutes to think about that, process it," before their coverage abruptly cut off. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have launched investigations into the cause of the crash, with an NTSB investigator set to arrive on Wednesday.

The Los Angeles Fire Department has not released further details on the cause of the crash or the identities of the victims. The incident has raised questions about the safety of news helicopters operating in high-traffic areas, particularly during concurrent incidents. The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has expressed condolences to the victims and their families, thanking emergency crews for their response to both crashes.

The exact number of casualties and the cause of the crash remain under investigation. While the fire department has confirmed the number of deaths and injuries, the circumstances of the crash, including whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or external factors contributed, are yet to be determined. The NTSB and FAA will provide further details as their investigations progress. The incident has also prompted discussions about the risks associated with news coverage in densely populated areas, where multiple incidents can occur simultaneously, increasing the potential for secondary accidents.

The lack of immediate response from the involved parties, including the news outlet and the aviation authorities, has left some questions unanswered. While the fire department has provided basic details, the full scope of the incident, including the identities of the victims and the exact sequence of events, remains unclear. As the investigation continues, further updates are expected from the NTSB and FAA.