Driver charged with murder after crashing into pedestrians in LA: Police
Authorities claim the driver was impaired during the occurrence.
At least 3 fatalities reported after vehicle collides near North Hollywood Metro station. An SUV mounted the curb and struck a crowd of street vendors and pedestrians, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals and leaving several others seriously injured. The driver may face potential DUI charges.
Around 5:55 p.m., Ihor Demianenko was reportedly operating his Toyota Sienna southbound on Lankershim Boulevard “at an unsafe speed when it swerved to the right, departed the roadway and struck a tri-light,” the LAPD noted in a statement on Friday.
The minivan struck pedestrians and food vendors situated on the sidewalk near a metro station, according to the LAPD.
“The impact of the collision caused the pedestrians and private property to be propelled in various directions,” the LAPD stated.
Three women were declared dead at the scene, as reported by the police. Their ages ranged from 40 to 60 years, according to the LAPD.
Two additional women aged between 50 and 55 were taken to a hospital in critical condition, as stated by the police.
Demianenko, 61, was trapped inside the minivan until paramedics arrived, as reported by the police. He sustained minor injuries and was found to be under the influence, according to the LAPD.
He was taken to the hospital, arrested, and charged with three counts of murder. He is being held on a $6 million bail.
In a social media update, LA Mayor Karen Bass stated that the SUV drove onto the sidewalk near the North Hollywood Metro Station, “hitting a group of street vendors and pedestrians.”
She added, “I’m heartbroken for the families of everyone affected.”