Minivan Crash Near Los Angeles Metro Station Kills Three, Injures Several

Deadly Minivan Crash in North Hollywood During Rush Hour

Three people were killed and several others critically injured after a minivan crashed into pedestrians outside a Los Angeles metro station on Tuesday. The incident, which occurred during rush hour in the North Hollywood neighborhood, also left the driver in critical condition. Authorities responded quickly to the busy intersection just before 6 p.m.

Crash Details and Emergency Response

The minivan ended up under a food vendor’s tent after striking people near the metro station. The vehicle was found on the sidewalk among debris, with its driver’s side door open and the air bag deployed. Emergency responders, including fire engines and medical teams, arrived swiftly at the scene, while a helicopter surveyed from above.

Eyewitness Accounts from the Scene

Luis Luna-Guzman, who was working at a nearby burger stand, described hearing a loud boom followed by chaotic scenes as people lay injured on the ground among scattered food and cups. He recounted finding an injured woman near bike racks, bleeding and in pain, and saw two other unmoving bodies nearby. “I told her, ‘Don’t move, help is coming,’” Luna-Guzman said.

Victims Include Vendors and Pedestrians

Mayor Karen Bass confirmed that both street vendors and pedestrians were among the victims. “I’m heartbroken for the families of everyone impacted,” Bass said in a statement posted on X. Adrin Nazarian, Los Angeles City Council member for the North Hollywood district, called the area a close-knit community known for its frequent activity and commotion. “This is a constantly very active place, so it’s extremely concerning when you hear something like this happen,” said Nazarian.

Investigation Into the Crash Is Ongoing

Los Angeles Police Capt. Warner Castillo said the driver, a man in his 60s, was taken out of the vehicle and appeared to be in shock. He was able to speak but authorities have not yet determined whether the crash was accidental or intentional. “We don’t know if it was done intentionally, if it was done by accident,” Castillo explained at a news conference. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated that investigators would review video footage of the crash “frame by frame” and anticipated a “very deliberate investigation to determine what happened here.”

Metro Service Impact and Community Response

According to Jose Ubaldo, spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, only one entrance to the metro station remained closed on Tuesday evening. Otherwise, bus and subway service continued as normal, and station property was largely unaffected by the crash.

Source: abcnews.com.