Chatsworth crash toll rises to six after news helicopter crash; SUV driver arrested for murder

Key points

• Six people died in Chatsworth on Sept. 15: two in a bus/SUV crash and three in a news helicopter crash, with one additional person hospitalized from the helicopter incident.
• The bus crash occurred at 5:02 p.m. when an SUV ran a red light and struck a Metro Line 166 bus at Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue.
• The SUV driver, 36-year-old Bailee Lynn Rios, was arrested on suspicion of murder and held on $4 million bail.
• The news helicopter, operated by Angel City Air for NBC4 and Telemundo 52, crashed in a nearby parking lot, killing pilot George Marciniw and photojournalist Eliana Moreno, plus one person on the ground.
• The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the helicopter crash, while the LAPD is leading the investigation into the bus collision.

Background

This incident follows a series of tragic events in Chatsworth, including a previous news helicopter crash that killed three people. The area has also been in the news for a rare sighting of a coyote with a roadrunner, highlighting the community's attention to local events.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Los Angeles and FOX 11 initially reported three deaths from the bus crash, while CBS News later clarified that only two people died in the bus crash, with the third death attributed to the helicopter crash. All outlets agree on the total of six fatalities. CBS News provided specific details on the SUV driver's arrest and background, while NBC and FOX focused on the helicopter crash and the emotional impact on the news community.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the dangers of traffic violations and the risks faced by news crews in the field. The arrest of the SUV driver on murder charges underscores the severity of the bus crash, while the helicopter crash raises questions about safety protocols for aerial news coverage.

What to watch

The NTSB will investigate the cause of the helicopter crash, and the LAPD will continue its investigation into the bus collision. The DA's office will evaluate the case against the SUV driver, and the families of the victims are expected to speak publicly in the coming days.