At least three people have been killed and several others injured after a sport utility vehicle (SUV) crashed into a group of street vendors and pedestrians near a Metro station entrance in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:55 p.m. on Tuesday at a busy intersection, where a white SUV struck at least five pedestrians, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
Emergency responders rushed to the scene following the crash, but three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) said several other people were taken to nearby hospitals in critical condition.
The driver of the SUV was also hospitalised in critical condition.
Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, with investigations underway to establish what led to the vehicle striking the pedestrians.
According to LAPD Captain Warner Castillo, the driver is a man believed to be in his 60s.
Investigators are conducting tests to establish whether he was under the influence of alcohol or other substances at the time of the crash.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her condolences to the families affected by the tragedy, describing the incident as horrific.
In a statement shared on X, Bass said she was heartbroken by the loss of lives and injuries reported following the crash.
She added that her office was working closely with emergency responders and other authorities as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The mayor assured residents that further updates would be provided as more information became available.
Meanwhile, police have begun gathering evidence to establish how the crash happened.
According to reports by CNN affiliate KCBS/KCAL, investigators are seeking security camera footage from the nearby Metro station and bus facilities to help reconstruct the events leading up to the collision.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said the investigation would take time but assured the public that officers were committed to establishing exactly what happened.
He also extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and others affected by the incident.
Images from the scene showed the white SUV positioned beneath a blue canopy near a covered Metro entrance, with debris and scattered materials surrounding the crash site.
Fire engines and several police vehicles were seen blocking the intersection as emergency teams responded to the incident and secured the area.
