An SUV crashed into a street food stand near a bus stop in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, on Tuesday evening, killing three people and leaving three others in critical condition, authorities said.
Crash at Lankershim and Chandler boulevards
The Los Angeles Fire Department said crews were dispatched around 5:55 p.m. to the junction of Lankershim and Chandler boulevards, next to a Metro stop. Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and three more were rushed to a hospital in critical condition.
KCAL-TV, a CBS News affiliate based in Los Angeles, reported that the vehicle struck a food stand positioned near a bus stop along Lankershim Boulevard, a busy thoroughfare running through the NoHo commercial and arts district in the San Fernando Valley.
Driver among those hospitalised
Aerial footage from the scene showed a white SUV mounted on the pavement beneath the stand's canopy. Police told CBS that the driver, a man in his 60s, was among the three people transported to hospital, where he was reported to be in a serious condition.
Investigators are working to establish what caused the crash. Officers arranged for the driver to be assessed by LAPD drug recognition experts to determine whether impairment may have played a role, according to reports. Police confirmed they intend to examine security footage from the nearby Metro station as part of their enquiries. They also stated they did not believe a second vehicle was involved, despite some witness accounts suggesting otherwise.
Investigation underway
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said: "It'll be a prolonged, but very deliberate investigation to determine what happened here." He added: "Our hearts go out to the families of the victims that were struck here tonight."
Photographs and footage circulated online appeared to show the SUV mounted on the pavement beside vendor stalls as emergency services operated at the location, including one individual being transported away on a stretcher. The collision occurred within the NoHo Arts District section of North Hollywood, an area known for independent theatres, dance studios, art galleries, live music venues, and well-frequented restaurants and bars.
LA Mayor Karen Bass posted on social media: "Today, an SUV drove onto a sidewalk near the North Hollywood Metro Station, striking a group of street vendors and pedestrians. Tragically, preliminary reports indicate that three people have lost their lives and others have been injured. First responders are on the scene, and my office is closely coordinating with City departments as authorities work to determine what caused this horrific incident. I'm heartbroken for the families of everyone impacted. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available."
