News Helicopter Crashes in Chatsworth, 3 Dead

A news helicopter crashed Wednesday evening in Chatsworth, killing three people, including a pedestrian.

The helicopter, belonging to local NBC affiliate NBCLA, went down around 7 p.m. near 9151 Mason Ave. Firefighters and paramedics pronounced three individuals dead at the scene.

Pilot George Marciniw and aerial reporter Eliana Moreno, who also provided coverage for Telemundo 52, were the helicopter's occupants. The pedestrian's identity has not yet been released.

A witness, Allyona Sevanesian, reported seeing the helicopter sway before it crashed, creating a cloud of smoke. The aircraft impacted between two commercial buildings, sparking a fire that spread to four vehicles and two shipping containers.

The crash occurred about a block from a separate fatal collision involving a Metro bus and an SUV that also killed three people and injured six others.

Gov. Gavin Newsom extended condolences to the victims, their families, and NBC4 via social media. He also thanked first responders.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the cause of the helicopter crash.