A woman was taken into custody on murder charges following a collision involving her SUV and a city bus in Los Angeles. The incident resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to six others. The tragic event was followed by another deadly occurrence: a TV news helicopter crash while reporting on the initial collision.
The arrested individual, identified as Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, from Simi Valley, is currently held at a Los Angeles jail with bail set at $4 million US. Authorities have stated that the case will be referred to the district attorney’s office for further legal action. No information regarding legal representation for Rios was immediately accessible.
The helicopter, utilized by NBC and Telemundo, crashed approximately two hours after Rios purportedly drove her 2004 Ford Expedition in the wrong direction on a busy street, ran a red light, collided with a vehicle, and then struck the bus. Police reported that one bus passenger was fully ejected, while another was partially ejected during the collision.
Colleen Williams, an anchor for NBC4 Los Angeles, confirmed the deaths of two individuals aboard the helicopter during live broadcasts. The chopper crash resulted in fatalities both on board and on the ground, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting an investigation into the helicopter crash. NTSB officials emphasized the significance of video footage from the crash scene and onboard the helicopter for their inquiry. The NTSB investigator mentioned that the video captured sounds consistent with changes in the helicopter’s engine speed and probable advisory signals for the pilot.
The individuals identified as victims aboard the helicopter were Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw, both employees of Angel City Air, the helicopter’s operator. Moreno, a native of Orange County, joined the Angel City Air team in 2010 after completing a degree in broadcast journalism and political science from Chapman University. Marciniw, a Southern California native, graduated from Burbank High School in 1974.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed condolences for the loss of five individuals in the crashes, acknowledging the grief that the community of Chatsworth is experiencing. The aftermath of the helicopter crash resulted in the burning of multiple cars and storage containers on the ground, with fire officials swiftly containing the fires.
NBC4 and Telemundo 52 Los Angeles issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragedies and extending heartfelt sympathies to the affected families, friends, and colleagues. California Governor Gavin Newsom commended the emergency response teams involved in managing the incidents and conveyed solidarity with the victims and their families.
Investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are set to commence to determine the causes of the helicopter crash. Records indicate that there have been eight fatal accidents involving news helicopters in the U.S. since 2000, resulting in the loss of 16 lives. Noteworthy incidents include midair collisions in Phoenix in 2007 and a fatal Seattle news helicopter crash in 2000.