A 61-year-old man was arrested on three murder counts after a suspected impaired-driving crash killed three women near a North Hollywood Metro station. Police said the minivan struck a food vendor and pedestrians before becoming lodged inside a building. Two other women were critically injured and taken to a hospital. The driver, identified as Ihor Demianenko of Valley Village, also suffered minor injuries.
The collision occurred Tuesday evening, November 10, on Lankershim Boulevard near Chandler Boulevard. Investigators said Demianenko was driving under the influence, and bail was set at $6.03 million. The investigation remains active, with authorities reviewing the circumstances of the crash and seeking information from witnesses.
| 1) | Crash near the North Hollywood Metro station |
|---|---|
| 2) | Driver faces three murder counts |
| 3) | Victims and injured pedestrians |
| 4) | Investigation and official response |
| 5) | What authorities are asking witnesses to do |
Crash near the North Hollywood Metro station
The crash happened at approximately 5:55 p.m. Tuesday as Demianenko drove a white Toyota Sienna southbound on Lankershim Boulevard, just south of Chandler Boulevard in North Hollywood. According to police, the minivan veered to the right while traveling at an unsafe speed. It struck a food vendor and pedestrians near the sidewalk, continued moving, and eventually became stuck inside a building.
The location was near the North Hollywood Metro station, an area used by pedestrians and local vendors. Emergency crews responded to the scene, where the collision caused multiple casualties. The circumstances that led the vehicle to leave the roadway remain under investigation.
Driver faces three murder counts
The Los Angeles Police Department identified the driver as Ihor Demianenko, 61, of Valley Village. Police said investigators determined he was under the influence after the crash. He was arrested on three counts of murder following treatment for minor injuries sustained in the collision.
His bail was set at $6.03 million, police said. The arrest reflects allegations based on the initial investigation, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system. Further details about the evidence supporting the charges were not provided in the available police announcement.
Victims and injured pedestrians
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced three women dead at the crash site. Police described the victims as Hispanic women between 40 and 60 years old. Their identities had not been released as of Wednesday because authorities were still notifying their families.
Two other women were transported to a hospital in critical condition. Police described both injured women as Hispanic and between 50 and 55 years old. Officials did not release additional information about their medical conditions.
Investigation and official response
The department’s Valley Traffic Division is leading the investigation. Detectives are expected to examine the vehicle’s path, the speed involved, the driver’s condition, and the events immediately before the minivan struck the pedestrians and vendor. The investigation is intended to establish how the collision unfolded and whether additional facts affect the criminal case.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said officials would continue providing updates. Police Chief Jim McDonnell said the inquiry would be thorough and deliberate.
“It’ll be a prolonged but a very deliberate investigation to determine what happened here. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims that were struck here tonight.”
What authorities are asking witnesses to do
Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant information to contact the Valley Traffic Division. Police said witnesses can call 818-644-8114 or 818-644-8117. Information from people who saw the minivan before, during, or immediately after the crash could help detectives reconstruct the incident.
Authorities have not announced a final account of the crash. The identities of the deceased women and further information about the two hospitalized victims are expected to be released when family notifications and medical updates permit.
| 1 | Three women were killed in the North Hollywood crash. |
|---|---|
| 2 | Two other women were critically injured. |
| 3 | Ihor Demianenko, 61, was arrested on three murder counts. |
| 4 | Police said the driver was suspected of being under the influence. |
| 5 | The Valley Traffic Division is seeking information from witnesses. |
Summary
The deadly North Hollywood collision resulted in three deaths, two critical injuries, and the arrest of a suspected impaired driver. Police continue to investigate the crash, including the vehicle’s speed, movement, and the driver’s condition. The victims’ identities remain pending family notification, while witnesses are being asked to contact investigators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the North Hollywood crash?
A white Toyota Sienna traveling southbound on Lankershim Boulevard veered right, struck a food vendor and pedestrians near the sidewalk, and became lodged inside a building.
How many people were killed or injured?
Three women were killed at the scene, and two other women were taken to a hospital in critical condition.
Who was arrested?
Ihor Demianenko, 61, of Valley Village, was arrested on three counts of murder after police said investigators determined he was under the influence.
How can witnesses help?
Anyone with information can contact the Valley Traffic Division at 818-644-8114 or 818-644-8117.
