The helicopter crash left three people dead, while the bus crash killed two and injured multiple others, per the LAFD
NEED TO KNOW
- A helicopter crash in Los Angeles killed three people on Tuesday, Sept. 15
- Four people were involved in the helicopter crash, with one transported to a hospital in unknown condition
- The crash took place hours after a fatal bus crash in the same area left two dead and six others injured, with their conditions currently unknown
Three people are dead after a helicopter crash in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
The helicopter crashed just before 7 p.m. local time between two commercial buildings at 9151 N. Mason Avenue, according to a Los Angeles Fire Department alert.
“Fire from the crash is exposing four vehicles. Firefighters are in offensive mode, attacking the fire and assessing patients and medical triage,” the alert said.
The flames were extinguished by 7:30 p.m. local time, according to The Los Angeles Times.
A Los Angeles Fire Department public information officer confirmed to PEOPLE that four patients were treated as a result of the incident.
Three people were determined to be deceased at the scene, according to the spokesperson, who noted that it is unknown if they were in the helicopter, vehicles, or on the ground.
The fourth patient was transported to a local hospital in unknown condition.
Four automobiles and 2 storage containers have been damaged by the fire, according to an updated alert from the LAFD.
The public information officer said the helicopter’s make and origin are unknown. However, NBC Los Angeles anchors said in a live broadcast they received confirmation that it was one of the news station’s helicopters that went down. Branden Silverman, a spokesperson for the LAFD, declined to confirm to The New York Times if the helicopter belonged to a news station.
The helicopter crash occurred nearly two hours after a passenger vehicle crashed into the driver’s side of an MTA bus nearby, according to a separate alert from the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The public information officer told PEOPLE that there were a total of eight patients. Six were transported to local hospitals, and two were determined deceased on site. The condition of those injured is unknown.
MTA also confirmed to PEOPLE that three people have died from the incident.
Karen Bass, mayor of Los Angeles, spoke out about both incidents in a statement on X.
“I’m absolutely devastated by the loss of life in Chatsworth tonight. My heart is with the families and loved ones of those we lost in the tragic bus collision and helicopter crash,” she said. “I’m grateful to the City teams who responded so quickly. Please stay clear of the area as public safety officials remain on scene.”
A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator is expected to arrive on scene tomorrow morning, the organization told PEOPLE.
“Metro extends its condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery,” the bus transit system said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “Metro thanks the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for their prompt response to the scene.”
MTA added that the Los Angeles Police Department is leading the investigation and urges anyone with information to contact the LA Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-TIPS or 800-222-8477.
PEOPLE reached out to LAPD for comment.
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