3 dead after NBC Los Angeles news helicopter crashes in Chatsworth

Three people were killed when an NBC Los Angeles helicopter crashed in the San Fernando Valley on Tuesday night near the scene of a deadly Metro bus crash in Chatsworth .

The crash happened just before 7 p.m. between two commercial buildings at a storage facility in the 9100 block of N. Mason Avenue, according to Los Angeles firefighters. The aircraft appeared to have landed on top of two shipping containers and several vehicles that were parked in the area.

Circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, but aerial footage showed Los Angeles firefighters working to fight the flames from a large fire that broke out after the crash and spread to the nearby vehicles.

Firefighters and Los Angeles police erected a canopy over one body after the fire was extinguished.

"We do have one confirmed patient that seemed to be outside of the helicopter when it crashed," said LAFD Captain Branden Silverman. "That person was declared deceased on scene. ... At this point, we have not confirmed how many victims, or how many people, were inside the helicopter."

LAFD officials later said that two other people were declared dead at the spot of the crash. Two other victims were taken to a local hospital in unknown condition, LAFD Captain Rico Gross said during a news conference late Tuesday night. The nature of their injuries was not immediately noted.

"The helicopter itself, it's pretty well destroyed, so we are going to have to go through the rubble and see how many victims there were on board, as well as identify the helicopter," Silverman said.

Just before 9 p.m., NBC LA confirmed that the helicopter belonged to their station.

"We are deeply saddened to share that a helicopter providing aerial news coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52 was involved in a fatal accident in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening," said a statement from NBC LA and Telemundo 52. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives."

NBC LA identified the two victims on board the helicopter as aerial news reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that they will be investigating the helicopter crash. The FAA said the NTSB will lead the investigation. Los Angeles police are also investigating the crash.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other city leaders spoke during the news conference .

"This is a very, very tragic day in Los Angeles," Bass said while speaking during a news conference. "We lost five Angelenos today, and my hearts certainly go out to the families and friends to all of those that we lost. ... This is a heartbreaking night for our city, and my thoughts and prayers are with first and foremost with the families and loved ones that we lost today."

Supervisor Lindsey Horvath called on Angelenos to support one another during such difficult times.