Deadly bus collision in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, before a news helicopter later crashed while covering the incident.
Los Angeles, California: A driver has been arrested following a deadly bus collision in Los Angeles that occurred shortly before a news helicopter covering the incident crashed in the Chatsworth area, killing three people.
The two incidents happened on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, turning what initially began as a serious traffic accident into a much larger tragedy. Authorities are continuing to investigate both the vehicle collision and the helicopter crash.
Police arrested 36-year-old Bailee Lynn Rios in connection with the deadly bus crash. According to authorities, Rios was driving a 2004 Ford Expedition when the SUV allegedly traveled in the wrong direction, went through a red light and eventually collided with a Metro bus.
The collision occurred in the Chatsworth area near De Soto Avenue and Nordhoff Street.
Two people, identified as Daniel Castillo, 46, and Gage Weida, 31, died in the crash. Six other people were also injured, according to authorities.
Rios was arrested on suspicion of murder following the collision. Her bail was reportedly set at approximately $4 million.
However, an arrest does not mean that a person has been convicted. Authorities said the case remains under review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which will determine the next legal steps.
The situation took another tragic turn later that evening.
News crews had arrived in the area to report on the deadly bus collision. A helicopter operated for NBC4 and Telemundo 52 was providing aerial coverage of the incident.
Approximately two hours after the bus crash, the helicopter went down near a storage facility in Chatsworth.
The crash resulted in the deaths of three people.
Journalist and photojournalist Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw were aboard the helicopter. A person on the ground, identified as 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia, was also killed.
Emergency crews responded to the crash site after the helicopter went down and caught fire.
The exact cause of the helicopter crash has not yet been officially determined.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are involved in the investigation. Investigators are examining evidence from the crash site as they work to determine what happened during the helicopter’s final moments.
Authorities are expected to review available video, eyewitness information and other evidence as part of the investigation.
Until investigators release their findings, the precise reason for the helicopter crash remains unknown.
The close timing of the two incidents made the situation particularly unusual.
The first emergency response began after the deadly Metro bus collision. News organizations then sent crews to the area to report on the crash. During that coverage, the news helicopter itself became involved in a fatal accident.
More than 70 firefighters reportedly participated in the emergency response following the helicopter crash.
The deaths of Moreno and Marciniw also prompted reactions from colleagues at the news organizations they worked with. Moreno was involved in aerial news coverage, while Marciniw served as the helicopter’s pilot.
Investigations into the two incidents are continuing separately.
In the bus crash case, police have taken Rios into custody, while prosecutors will determine whether formal criminal charges should move forward.
Meanwhile, aviation investigators are examining the helicopter accident. Determining the cause of an aircraft crash can take time because investigators typically need to analyze physical evidence, aircraft systems, witness accounts and other available information.
Officials have not announced a final cause for the helicopter crash.
The legal case surrounding the bus collision is expected to move forward as prosecutors review the evidence and determine the appropriate charges.
The helicopter investigation will also continue as federal aviation authorities work to establish what caused the aircraft to crash.
The events in Chatsworth resulted in multiple deaths within a matter of hours and drew significant attention across Los Angeles. Authorities are expected to provide additional information as both investigations develop.