Los Angeles bus crash and news helicopter crash kill five in rapid succession
An SUV driven by an alleged DUI suspect collided with a Metro bus in Chatsworth, killing two passengers, and a news helicopter covering the scene crashed minutes later, killing three more, prompting investigations by the NTSB, FAA and local authorities.
An SUV driven by Bailee Lynn Rios ran a red light and struck a Metro bus in the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles around 5 p.m., killing two passengers, Gage Weida, 31, and Daniel Castillo, 46. Rios, who is accused of driving under the influence and reckless driving, faced charges that could carry a life sentence.
Fire crews rescued the SUV driver and a trapped bus passenger, while four other occupants sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Approximately two hours after the collision, a news helicopter operated by KNBC-TV and KVEA-TV crashed in a nearby parking lot, igniting a fire that killed aerial reporter Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw and pedestrian Edy Gutierrez Mejia.
"To have two incidents of that significance in that short amount of time within a few blocks of each other is definitely a unique situation for any department," said Los Angeles County Fire Captain Brandon Silverman.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the helicopter crash, focusing on video evidence captured as the aircraft descended.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the bus victims were returning from work or heading to personal engagements and did not anticipate the tragedy.
Mayor Karen Bass expressed condolences at a vigil, noting the loss of five Angelenos.
Investigations into the bus collision continue, and a preliminary NTSB report on the helicopter crash is expected within 30 days.