Several people were injured in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon when a minivan drove into a crowd of bystanders. Among the injured were two children and a teenager, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
The incident occurred just after 3 p.m. local time, as the minivan collided with a group of pedestrians near a restaurant.
Fire officials reported that a total of nine individuals were assessed for injuries at the scene. Of those, four adults were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, while two others declined treatment.
Three minors, ages 8, 11, and 17, were also taken to the hospital for care, though none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening.
Despite the alarming scene, the LAFD confirmed there were no fatalities and that none of the victims were in critical condition at the time of transport.
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The minivan itself came to a stop under a collapsed patio, adding to the chaos of the situation. Fire crews remained on-site to clear the debris and assist with the investigation.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) quickly launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
Initial reports suggest that the driver of the minivan swerved to avoid a stopped car, which caused the vehicle to veer off course and crash into a barrier next to the restaurant’s patio.
According to the LAPD, there is no evidence at this time suggesting the incident was intentional or criminal.
Authorities also confirmed that alcohol or drugs were not involved in the collision, and the investigation is ongoing.
While the situation was frightening, it appears the community’s quick response and timely medical treatment prevented the incident from being even more tragic.
