Los Angeles: A news helicopter crashed in the Chatsworth area of Los Angeles on Tuesday evening, resulting in three fatalities and leaving another person injured, according to authorities.

The aircraft came down near Mason Avenue at around 7 p.m. while news crews were operating in the area. The helicopter was being used for aerial news coverage when the accident occurred.

The crash triggered a fire at the site, with flames spreading to nearby vehicles and other property. Emergency responders arrived quickly and worked to control the fire while searching the wreckage.

Officials later confirmed that three people had died in the incident. Another individual was transported to a hospital for medical treatment. Authorities had not immediately released further details about the injured person’s condition.

The helicopter was operated on behalf of a Los Angeles television news organization and was commonly used to provide aerial footage of breaking events across the city.

The accident happened close to the location of another serious traffic incident that emergency personnel had been responding to. The proximity of the two incidents created an unusually challenging situation for first responders.

The identities of those who died were not immediately made public as officials worked to notify their families.

Investigators are now examining the circumstances surrounding the crash. The inquiry is expected to consider the helicopter’s mechanical condition, flight operations, weather conditions and events immediately before the aircraft went down.

The exact cause of the accident remains undetermined. Officials are expected to release additional information as investigators recover evidence from the crash site and complete their initial examination.

The incident has also affected the local journalism community, where aerial helicopters are frequently used to cover traffic, fires, police activity and other major events across the Los Angeles region.

Authorities have urged people to remain clear of the crash area while the investigation and recovery operations continue.