Minivan driver arrested after crash outside North Hollywood station leaves 3 women dead, 2 critically hurt

The Story

A driver has been arrested after a minivan crash outside a Los Angeles metro station killed three women and critically injured two more during the evening commute.

Police said the driver, identified as 61-year-old Ihor Demianenko of Valley Village, was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence and three counts of murder. Demianenko was booked early Wednesday, police said, and his bail was set at a little over $6 million, according to records.

Authorities said Demianenko was able to talk but appeared to be in shock after the crash on Tuesday, when he hit pedestrians and food vendors at a busy intersection in the North Hollywood neighbourhood. Police said he was treated for minor injuries at a hospital.

Los Angeles police said the white Toyota Sienna was travelling at an “unsafe speed” at around 6 p.m. when it veered right, ran off the road and collided with a light. The vehicle came to rest under a food vendor’s tent, and the force of the crash threw victims in different directions.

Investigators said Demianenko was trapped in the vehicle until rescuers arrived. Fire engines and emergency crews worked near the scene while a helicopter flew overhead.

Police said the three women who died were between 40 and 60 years old, and the two women injured were in their 50s. Authorities have not released the victims’ names.

Police Chief Jim McDonnell said investigators will review video of the crash frame by frame.

In California, authorities said drivers under the influence can face murder charges in certain circumstances, including cases where the fatality is connected to conduct showing “wantonness and a conscious disregard for life,” as set out in a 1981 California Supreme Court ruling.

The case had not been presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office as of Wednesday afternoon, police said, citing spokesperson Venusse Dunn. Police said it was not immediately clear whether Demianenko had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf.