Mid-air collision of TV helicopters leaves four dead

The incident was broadcast live on local television in the state of Arizona as the two flying camera crews were covering a high-speed police chase through downtown Phoenix when they suddenly collided.

"Oh geez!" said ABC15 reporter-pilot Craig Smith shortly before the impact, according to the broadcaster.

The ABC15 chopper had struck another local helicopter of Channel 3, killing the two reporters in each as the machines crashed into a park in the city, the two networks said.//dpa