Minivan Hits Pedestrians in Los Angeles' North Hollywood, Killing Three Women; Driver Charged With Murder
A minivan struck pedestrians and a food vendor near a Metro station in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, killing three women and critically injuring two others. A 61-year-old driver suspected of driving under the influence was arrested on three counts of murder, the Los Angeles Police Department announced on Wednesday.
Police identified the driver as Ihor Demianenko, of Valley Village. Investigators determined he was under the influence at the time of Tuesday evening's crash. His bail was set at $6.03 million.
According to an LAPD news release, the crash happened around 5:55 p.m. on Tuesday. Demianenko was driving a white Toyota Sienna southbound on Lankershim Boulevard, just south of Chandler Boulevard.
Police said the minivan veered right at an unsafe speed, struck a food vendor and pedestrians near the sidewalk, and continued moving before becoming trapped inside a structure.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced three women dead at the scene. Police said the victims were Hispanic women between 40 and 60 years old; their identities have not been released pending notification of their families.
The two injured women, both between 50 and 55, were taken to hospital in critical condition. The driver suffered minor injuries and was arrested after receiving hospital treatment.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed condolences to the victims' families in a statement posted on X: 'I'm heartbroken for the families of everyone impacted. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.'
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell had earlier told reporters there would be a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the collision. 'It'll be a prolonged but a very deliberate investigation to determine what happened here,' he said. 'Our hearts go out to the families of the victims that were struck here tonight.'
The LAPD's Valley Traffic Division is investigating the collision. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 818-644-8114 or 818-644-8117.
