Three killed, three critically injured after SUV hits pedestrians near North Hollywood Metro stop

A white SUV collided with pedestrians on the sidewalk at the intersection of Lankershim and Chandler boulevards in North Hollywood at about 5:55 p.m. on Tuesday, police said. The crash resulted in three fatalities at the scene and three additional victims being transported to hospitals in critical condition, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Police Capt. Warner Castillo identified the driver as a man in his mid-60s who was also injured. Drug-recognition experts are evaluating whether the driver was impaired. Castillo said no other vehicle appears to have been involved.

Assistant Fire Chief Joe Everett described the scene as a vehicle that had “careened into a number of people on the sidewalk.” Police Chief Jim McDonnell noted that all victims were on the sidewalk and that the investigation is in its early stages.

Mayor Karen Bass expressed condolences, stating that the victims included pedestrians and vendors, and said city offices are coordinating with authorities to determine the cause.

Witnesses reported a loud crash and debris scattered near the Metro station’s escalators and stairs. Lincoln Brown, who was walking away from the station, said he heard “a huge boom” and saw the damaged vehicle against the station. Another witness described two women selling hot dogs being thrown into the air by the impact.

Luis Luna-Guzman, who was working at a nearby burger stand, recounted finding an injured woman with severe injuries near the bike racks and another woman lying unmoving on the stairs.

Investigators will review video footage and interview witnesses to establish the vehicle’s speed and other factors. Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors member Kathryn Barger issued a statement expressing sympathy for the victims and their families.