NBC helicopter crashes in fireball, killing 3 in Chatsworth as news anchor says ‘we have lost contact with our people’

At least three people are dead after a NBC4 news helicopter crashed in the Los Angeles area Tuesday evening near the scene of a deadly Metro bus wreck, with a longtime anchor at the station saying “we have lost contact with our people” live on the air.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said one of the people killed was likely a pedestrian who was not in the helicopter, while the other two victims were inside the aircraft.

One surviving individual was rushed to a local hospital in grave condition, according to the LAFD.

“We have lost contact with our people,” Colleen Williams said while holding back tears as she covered the story.

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The helicopter crashed between two commercial buildings around 7 p.m on the 9100 block of Mason Avenue, setting several nearby cars on fire. When firefighters arrived at the scene, they found both the helicopter and the cars burning close to where emergency crews were already helping people from an earlier bus accident.

Flames had since been extinguished at the helicopter crash scene, but firefighters remained in the area, ABC 7 reported.

The aircraft came down just as emergency workers were managing the aftermath of that initial fatal wreck between the Metro bus and the other vehicle.

At least two people were killed in the bus crash, emergency personnel said. Six others were injured and taken to hospitals in unknown condition.

The bus collision was reported shortly after 5 p.m. near Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

“This is a heartbreaking night for our city. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and the loved ones we lost today.” Mayor Karen Bass said at a press conference near the scene Tuesday night.

I’m on scene in Chatsworth receiving updates from LAFD and our public safety officials. I’m grateful to the first responders working through an incredibly difficult situation tonight. My thoughts are with everyone impacted by these tragedies, including the entire NBC4 family. pic.twitter.com/Glulz5XRz8

Both the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are stepping in to investigate the helicopter crash.

The NTSB is taking the lead to figure out exactly what went wrong and caused the accident.

Meanwhile, the FAA will be checking the paperwork to make sure everyone followed the proper flying laws and licensing rules.