Chatsworth Tragedy: Bus-SUV Collision and News Helicopter Crash Kill Six

Key points

• The initial crash occurred at approximately 5:02 p.m. on September 15, involving a Metro Line 166 bus traveling eastbound on Nordhoff Street and an SUV traveling southbound on De Soto Avenue.
• The bus-SUV collision resulted in three confirmed fatalities and six individuals transported to local hospitals in unknown condition.
• A news helicopter affiliated with NBC4 and Telemundo 52 crashed in a parking lot near the bus crash scene, adding three more deaths to the total toll.
• The helicopter crash killed photojournalist Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw, both employees of Angel City Air, along with a third individual.
• The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the helicopter crash, with an investigator expected on scene the following morning.
• The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is leading the investigation into the initial bus and SUV collision.

Background

This incident follows earlier coverage of a similar fatal bus crash in Chatsworth on September 16, 2026, which also involved a Metro bus and an SUV, resulting in three deaths and six injuries. The current event on September 15, 2026, is distinct but shares the location and type of initial collision. The helicopter crash adds a layer of complexity, involving media personnel and a separate investigation by the NTSB, unlike the earlier bus-only incident. The background also includes a separate, unrelated bus crash in Switzerland in September 2026, which is not directly connected to the Chatsworth events.

Why it matters

The dual tragedy highlights the risks associated with high-traffic urban areas and the dangers faced by news crews during live coverage of major incidents. The involvement of the NTSB in the helicopter crash indicates a potential focus on aviation safety and operational protocols during emergency reporting. The high death toll and multiple injuries underscore the severity of the initial collision and the cascading effects of subsequent accidents in a confined area.

What to watch

The NTSB will continue its investigation into the helicopter crash, with on-site assessments expected. The LAPD will proceed with its investigation into the bus-SUV collision, potentially seeking witness information via the LA Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline. Updates on the condition of the injured individuals from both incidents are anticipated as medical information becomes available. The families of the deceased are expected to receive further support and information from the involved agencies and media organizations.