World News

Woman charged with murder after Los Angeles bus crash and fatal helicopter downing

A wrong-way crash killed two before a news helicopter covering the scene crashed nearby, killing three.

Updated Sep 17, 2026 · 02:26 UTC2 reports

The short version

Bailee Lynn Rios was arrested on murder charges and held on $4 million bail after her SUV caused a fatal wrong-way collision with a Los Angeles Metro bus.[The Hollywood Reporter]
A news helicopter covering the bus crash site went down nearby, killing reporter Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and pedestrian Edy Gutierrez Mejia.[The Hollywood Reporter]
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the helicopter crash, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days.[The Hollywood Reporter · BBC News]

Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, was booked on suspicion of murder with bail set at $4 million after driving the wrong way and colliding with a Metro bus.[The Hollywood Reporter]
The initial bus collision resulted in at least two deaths and six injuries.[The Hollywood Reporter]
A news helicopter reporting on the bus crash went down near 9151 Mason Ave., killing NBC photojournalist Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and pedestrian Edy Gutierrez Mejia.[The Hollywood Reporter · BBC News]
Two additional people were hospitalized following the helicopter crash.[The Hollywood Reporter · BBC News]
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the helicopter crash, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days and a final report taking up to 18 months.[BBC News]

The exact cause of the helicopter crash remains undetermined, though an alarm was heard in the cockpit and witnesses saw the aircraft swaying before it fell.[The Hollywood Reporter · BBC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.