A California woman has been arrested on murder charges following a deadly collision between an SUV and a Los Angeles Metro bus on Tuesday. The crash, which occurred on De Soto Avenue near Nordhoff Street, resulted in multiple injuries and two fatalities. Hours later, an NBC News helicopter covering the incident crashed nearby, killing the reporter aboard, the pilot, and a pedestrian.
The SUV involved in the initial crash was driven by Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The 2004 Ford Expedition was traveling south in the northbound lanes before running a red light. It narrowly avoided an eastbound vehicle before striking an eastbound Metro Line 166 bus. The SUV became partially embedded in the bus, ejecting at least one passenger. Emergency responders transported six injured individuals from the scene, including Rios. Medical professionals reported that two victims, 46-year-old Daniel Castillo and 31-year-old Gage Weida, died from severe crushing injuries, while others suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Rios was taken into custody with a $4 million bail, and the case has been handed over to county prosecutors. Authorities are considering charges related to reckless driving, red-light violations, and possible driving under the influence. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed a later aircraft crash in Chatsworth, where NBC News helicopter NewsChopper4 was involved. The incident also claimed the life of 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia, a pedestrian.
Veteran chopper pilot and former Emmy-winning news reporter Zoey Tur shared a clip of the crash on social media, noting signs of an engine failure and a delayed response from the pilot. NBC Los Angeles and Telemundo 52 issued a joint statement expressing their sorrow over the loss of reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw, both from Southern California. The networks extended their condolences to the families and colleagues of the victims, emphasizing the tragic impact of the incident.
Multiple Fatalities in LA After SUV Crash and Subsequent Helicopter Incident
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