5300 Block of Lankershim Boulevard: Minivan Leaves the Road and Strikes Street Vendors and Pedestrians at the Metro Station
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA (November 10, 2026): Three women were killed and two other women were critically injured in a North Hollywood Metro station crash just before 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, when a minivan left Lankershim Boulevard and struck street vendors and pedestrians on the sidewalk near Chandler Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department, as reported by KTLA and City News Service.
Firefighters arrived at 5:55 p.m. and found three women beyond medical help; they were pronounced dead at the scene, the LAFD said. Two other women in their 50s were taken to a hospital, and KTLA reported that one of them is now believed to be in stable condition. At least one of the women who died was a street vendor, according to reports from the scene. Their names have not been released pending notification of their families.
In a press release cited by KTLA, the LAPD said a Toyota Sienna was traveling south on Lankershim Boulevard “at an unsafe speed” when it veered to the right, ran off the road and hit a light pole before striking the pedestrians and vendors. The driver, a 61-year-old Valley Village man, suffered minor injuries, police said. He was first arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and was later booked on suspicion of murder, according to the LAPD and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department inmate records cited by City News Service. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Police have not said whether the crash was intentional or accidental, what caused the minivan to leave the road, or whether impairment was confirmed. An LAPD captain told reporters that early video appeared to show the minivan trying to avoid another car. These are early accounts. Fault is determined by investigators and, in civil cases, by the courts, and initial findings sometimes change.
Liability for the North Hollywood Metro Station Crash
California law generally holds drivers responsible for the harm they cause on and next to the road. California Civil Code § 1714 generally makes every person responsible for injuries caused by a lack of ordinary care, and Vehicle Code § 22350 prohibits driving faster than is reasonable or prudent for conditions or at a speed that endangers people or property. Vehicle Code § 23153 makes it unlawful to drive under the influence and cause bodily injury to another person, and Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 generally allows certain family members to bring a wrongful death claim.
- Speed and control: The LAPD said the minivan was traveling at an unsafe speed when it veered off Lankershim Boulevard. Investigators can reconstruct that speed from the vehicle and video.
- The DUI question: The driver was first arrested on suspicion of felony DUI. Whether testing confirms impairment can matter in both the criminal case and any civil claim.
- Another car: Police said early video may show the minivan avoiding another vehicle. If another driver played a part, investigators can examine that driver’s conduct as well.
- The sidewalk and station area: Vendors and riders gather daily outside one of the busiest Metro stations in the San Fernando Valley. Under Government Code § 835, a public entity can generally be liable for a dangerous condition of its property in limited circumstances, so the layout of that area may be examined.
These are general principles of California law, not conclusions about this crash, which remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Steps to Take After a North Hollywood Pedestrian Crash
People on foot face serious risk on busy streets: in 2024, 7,080 pedestrians were killed and more than 71,000 were injured in traffic crashes nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Families, injured people and witnesses can take these steps:
- Share what you saw: Anyone who saw the minivan on Lankershim Boulevard before the crash, or who recorded video at the station, can contact the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-275-5273.
- Get medical care and records: Anyone hurt at the scene should see a doctor and keep every medical record and bill.
- Keep proof of losses: Vendors whose carts, tents or goods were destroyed can photograph the damage and keep records of lost income.
- Be careful with insurers: Before giving a recorded statement to any insurance company, make sure you understand your rights and what you are being asked to sign.
Legal deadlines and notice requirements apply after a crash, injury or death, and they vary with the facts of each case, the location and the parties involved, including any public agency. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Investigating the North Hollywood Metro Station Crash
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C., a personal injury and civil rights law firm in Irvine, California, extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the three women who died outside the North Hollywood Metro station, and we wish a full recovery to the women who were injured. Important questions remain: What does the video show about the moments before the minivan left Lankershim Boulevard? And how was the sidewalk area where the vendors worked separated from traffic?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on November 11, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on November 10, 2026.
