A driver has been taken into custody on charges of murder following an incident in Los Angeles where she crashed her SUV into a city bus, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals and injuring six others. This unfortunate event was followed by another tragic incident: the fiery crash of a TV news helicopter that was reporting on the collision.
The driver, identified as Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, from Simi Valley, was arrested on Monday night and is currently held at a Los Angeles jail with bail set at $4 million US, according to the police. The case has been referred to the district attorney’s office for further action, which will determine the charges to be brought against Rios.
The fatal crash involving the helicopter occurred approximately two hours after Rios allegedly 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.
NBC4 Los Angeles anchor Colleen Williams confirmed during live broadcasts that two individuals aboard the helicopter lost their lives in the crash. Additionally, at least one person on the ground was also reported dead according to a spokesperson from the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the helicopter crash and highlighted the importance of video footage from the crash scene and onboard recordings as crucial evidence for their inquiry. NTSB investigator Fabian Salazar emphasized the significance of the video captured during the live coverage, indicating it could provide vital information about the helicopter’s operations before the crash.
The victims aboard the helicopter were identified as Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw, both employees of Angel City Air, the company operating the helicopter. Moreno, who joined the helicopter team in 2010 after graduating from Chapman University, had been a prominent voice for NBC4 and Telemundo 52. Marciniw, a Southern California native and Burbank High School graduate, had been flying with Moreno since 2023.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed sorrow over the tragic loss of five individuals and extended condolences to the affected community. The aftermath of the crash resulted in the destruction of several vehicles and storage containers due to the helicopter fire, which was quickly extinguished by emergency responders.
NBC4 and Telemundo 52 Los Angeles issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the incident and offering heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. California Governor Gavin Newsom commended the response efforts of the emergency teams and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
Investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are underway to determine the cause of the helicopter crash. Tragically, there have been eight fatal crashes involving news helicopters in the U.S. since 2000, resulting in the loss of 16 lives, with some accidents occurring during live broadcasts, such as the midair collision in Phoenix in 2007 and the Seattle news helicopter crash in 2000.
