Three people were killed and another hospitalized after a news helicopter crashed in a Los Angeles commercial area, authorities said.
At least three people were killed and another was hospitalized after a helicopter believed to be associated with a news organization crashed Tuesday night in Los Angeles, authorities said.
The crash happened shortly before 7 p.m. in the Chatsworth neighborhood, where the aircraft went down between two commercial buildings near 9151 N. Mason Ave., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
LAFD said 56 firefighters responded to the scene. Four people were assessed following the crash, with three pronounced dead and a fourth transported to a local hospital. The condition of the hospitalized person was not immediately known.
Helicopter appeared linked to news outlet
LAFD Capt. Branden Silverman said the aircraft appeared to be a news helicopter, although authorities had not confirmed which news organization it was affiliated with.
Officials also had not immediately determined how many people were aboard the helicopter when it crashed.
One of those killed was a pedestrian who was in a parking lot at the time of the crash, Silverman said. Authorities had not yet disclosed whether the other victims were passengers aboard the helicopter or people on the ground.
Crash sparks fire at commercial site
The helicopter crash triggered a fire that damaged four vehicles and two storage containers, according to the LAFD.
Firefighters extinguished the flames, and officials said nearby buildings were not exposed to the fire.
The circumstances that led to the helicopter going down remained unclear as authorities began investigating the incident.
The identities of the victims had not been released in the initial reports.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional information about the aircraft, its occupants and the cause of the crash is expected as authorities continue examining the scene.
This is a developing story and may be updated as more information becomes available.
