A driver has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and three counts of murder after a minivan crashed into pedestrians and street vendors near a busy Los Angeles Metro station. The incident happened in the North Hollywood neighbourhood during the evening rush hour on Tuesday. Three women, aged between 40 and 60, died, while two other women in their 50s were critically injured. The vehicle left the road and struck people gathered near a food vendor’s tent before coming to a stop beneath the structure.
Police identified the driver as 61-year-old Ihor Demianenko, who lives in the Valley Village area of Los Angeles. He suffered minor injuries and was treated at a hospital before being booked early Wednesday. His bail was set at slightly more than $6 million. Police said the minivan was travelling at an unsafe speed when it moved off the road, struck a light and hit the people in the area. The force of the collision threw victims in different directions, while the driver remained trapped inside the vehicle until emergency crews arrived.
Investigators are reviewing video footage to understand exactly how the crash happened. Police said the investigation would be detailed and could take time, while prosecutors had not yet received the case at the time of the report. It was also not immediately clear whether the driver had legal representation. Under California law, a person can face murder charges in a fatal crash involving alcohol or drugs when the circumstances show a serious disregard for human life. The incident has renewed attention on road safety around crowded public areas, particularly places where pedestrians, street vendors and public transport users share busy streets. The victims’ families and the local community are now waiting for further details as the investigation continues.
