Los Angeles news chopper crash echoes similar tragedy in Phoenix

The Brief

  • An investigation is underway following a deadly TV news helicopter crash in Los Angeles that killed five people, including NBC 4 reporter Eliana Moreno.
  • The crash occurred during rush hour on Sept. 15, as news choppers were covering a collision between an SUV and a city bus.
  • The tragedy mirrors a July 2007 midair collision between two news helicopters over Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix.

PHOENIX As authorities continue to investigate a deadly news helicopter crash in Los Angeles, the crash has stirred memories of a similar crash involving two news helicopters in Phoenix nearly 20 years ago.

The backstory:

The news helicopter crew, identified as NBCLA reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw, was covering a separate crash involving an SUV and a city bus when the helicopter crashed into a parking lot between two commercial buildings. Officials say the impact ignited a fire that quickly spread to four nearby vehicles and two shipping containers before crews extinguished the flames.

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