Three Killed in Discovery Channel Filming of New Reality Show

The Washington Post reports that three people have died in a helicopter crash which took place during the filming of a new reality series for Discovery Channel. The accident occured at 3:40 am/PT this morning at the filming location of Polsa Rosa Ranch in Acton, Los Angeles County. The three victims have not been identified.

Discovery Channel spokeswoman Laurie Goldberg said in a statement that the series is an "untitled military-themed" TV show. No air date had been announced. "A Production Company was shooting a show for Discovery Channel when this tragic accident occurred," read the statement. "We are all cooperating fully with authorities. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families."

The show's Production Company, Eyeworks USA, is best known for developing the hit NBC reality series "The Biggest Loser." They issued a statement as well which expressed their sympathies to the victims' families and saying they were cooperating with authorities.

The company had received approval for use of a helicopter for the shooting at the ranch from Saturday afternoon until Sunday morning, said Philip Sokoloski, a spokesman for FilmLA, which processes filming permits for location shootings in the Los Angeles region. According to records, Crossbow Helicopters had also received approval to participate in filming from the Federal Aviation Administration. "We wouldn't have referenced helicopter activity if we didn't already have pre-approval from the FAA," Sokoloski said.

As of yet, there are no details regarding the cause of circumstances surrounding the accident.