3 dead, 3 critically injured after car rams into street vendors, pedestrians near Los Angeles Metro station - What we know so far

At least three people were dead and another three were critically injured after a car hit a group of street vendors and pedestrians in the vicinity of a Metro station in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, on Tuesday. The tragic incident took place during rush hour when there were many people around the area.

According to multiple media reports, a white SUV jumped onto the pavement before crashing into pedestrians close to the transit shelter, and the scene was filled with debris. Emergency personnel rushed to the spot, where the three victims were declared dead. An investigation into the cause of the fatal accident has been launched, while the identities of the victims are yet to be revealed.

WHAT HAPPENED NEAR THE NORTH HOLLYWOOD METRO STATION?

According to ABC 7, the incident happened around 5:55 PM local time near the intersection of Lankershim Boulevard and Chandler Boulevard, in the vicinity of the North Hollywood Metro Station.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the SUV hit five pedestrians. Three died on the spot, while two others and the driver sustained critical injuries and had to be taken to hospital.

The driver, believed to be a man in his 60s, was conscious but seemed to be in shock when emergency personnel pulled him out of the damaged vehicle.

According to NBC News, a witness reported seeing two women selling hot dogs thrown into the air by the impact. Aerial footage by NBC Los Angeles showed the heavily damaged white car close to a transit shelter.

Police and fire officials contained the scene as investigators began to explore the situation surrounding the crash.

WHAT CAUSED THE DEADLY LOS ANGELES CRASH?

It is still not known if the crash was deliberate or accidental. LAPD Captain Warner Castillo addressed the confusion about the event.

"We don't know if it was done intentionally, if it was done by accident," Castillo said at a news conference as quoted by AP.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her condolences to the victims' families.

"I'm heartbroken for the families of everyone impacted," Bass wrote on X.



The mayor also confirmed that city departments were coordinating with emergency responders and investigators.

Kathryn Barger, member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, sent her sympathies and prayers to the injured.

"I am stunned by the tragic loss of life in North Hollywood and my thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this devastating incident,” Barger said in a statement as quoted by NBC News.