Driver Charged with Murder in LA Bus Crash and Helicopter Downing
A driver has been arrested on murder charges for causing a fatal bus collision that led to the deaths of two NBC journalists, whose helicopter crashed while covering the initial incident.
The driver responsible for a collision that killed two people on a Los Angeles Metro bus has been charged with murder. The incident occurred Tuesday evening and was being covered by NBC journalists when their news helicopter subsequently crashed, killing two more people.
Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, faces murder charges in connection with the bus crash. The Los Angeles Police Department stated that the charges would be presented to the district attorney and that the investigation into the crash is ongoing. Witnesses reported that the SUV driven by Rios was traveling at high speed when it struck the side of a Metro Line 166 bus. Police suspect Rios of reckless driving, running a red light, and driving under the influence, with toxicology tests pending.
Two NBC journalists, identified as 31-year-old Gage Weida and 46-year-old Daniel Castillo, died in the bus collision. Approximately two hours after the initial crash, an NBC news helicopter that had arrived to film the wreckage went down in a nearby parking lot, erupting in flames.
Eliana Moreno, 38, an aerial reporter, and pilot George Marciniw, 70, were killed in the helicopter crash. A third individual on the ground also died in the incident, though their identity has not yet been released. Moreno had been flying in news choppers since 2010 and worked for NBC4 Los Angeles and Telemundo. Marciniw was an experienced pilot with over 14,000 flight hours.
NBC4 reporter Robert Kovacik was at the scene of the bus crash when he learned his colleagues' helicopter had gone down. Live on air, he was directed to move towards a plume of smoke before witnessing the aftermath of the aircraft crash. He was later seen being comforted by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
In a statement, NBC4 and Telemundo 52 expressed their deep sorrow over the accident, extending condolences to the families of those lost. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the helicopter crash.
The bus crash resulted in two fatalities and six injuries, some critical. The intersection where both crashes occurred is expected to remain closed for an extended period. Mayor Bass stated her heart was with the families of the victims and thanked first responders for their swift actions. California Governor Gavin Newsom also shared his condolences for the victims and their families.