Three killed in Los Angeles minivan crash as driver faces murder charges
A 61-year-old driver has been arrested on three counts of murder after his minivan struck pedestrians outside a metro station in North Hollywood, leaving two others critically injured.
By Khalid Khalil ·
Police in Los Angeles have arrested a 61-year-old man on three counts of murder following a fatal crash that killed three people and critically injured two others. The incident occurred outside a metro station in the North Hollywood neighbourhood during the evening rush hour on Tuesday. A police spokesperson confirmed the arrests on Wednesday, noting that the driver, identified as Ihor Demianenko, was taken into custody after the collision.
Demianenko, a resident of the Valley Village neighbourhood, was removed from the minivan by officers. While he was able to speak immediately after the crash, witnesses and officials described him as appearing to be in a state of shock. Authorities have not yet determined the specific cause of the accident or whether the driver acted with intent. It was not immediately clear if he had retained legal counsel to respond to the new allegations.
The crash took place at a busy intersection where the minivan ended up wedged under the tent of a food vendor. Mayor Karen Bass stated that the victims included street vendors and pedestrians. In addition to the three fatalities, two women suffered critical injuries in the collision. The scene was marked by significant debris scattered across the sidewalk, with the vehicle's driver-side door left open and its airbag deployed.
Luis Luna-Guzman, who was working at a nearby burger stand, witnessed the aftermath of the crash. He reported hearing a loud boom and seeing people lying on the ground amidst spilled food and cups. As he approached the scene, he found an injured woman near the bike racks with visible blood on her face, arms, and legs. He recalled that her eyes were closed as she moaned in pain, and he told her, 'Don't move, help is coming.' Luna-Guzman also saw another woman's body nearby and a third woman lying unmoving on the stairs leading to the station.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell indicated that investigators are conducting a thorough review of the events. The team plans to analyze video footage of the crash frame by frame to piece together the sequence of events. McDonnell described the process as a prolonged but deliberate investigation aimed at determining exactly what happened during the incident.
Adrin Nazarian, a Los Angeles city council member representing the district that includes North Hollywood, described the area as a close-knit community that is typically filled with activity and commotion. The crash disrupted this usual bustle, prompting a large emergency response. Fire engines and crews worked around the damaged vehicle while a helicopter flew overhead to assist with operations.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority confirmed that the broader transit system remained largely functional following the crash. Jose Ubaldo, a spokesperson for the authority, noted that one entrance to the metro station remained closed on Tuesday night. However, the bus and subway stations continued to operate normally, and the rest of the property was not impacted by the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials gather more evidence from the scene and witness statements. The community is still processing the tragedy that unfolded in one of its busiest areas. Further updates regarding the condition of the critically injured victims and the status of the driver are expected in the coming days.
