The driver of a sport utility vehicle traveling the wrong way before colliding with a Metro bus, killing at least two people, has been arrested on suspicion of murder, according to the LAPD.
Six people were injured in the Tuesday afternoon crash near the intersection of Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue. The 2004 Ford Expedition driver, identified by police as 36-year-old Simi Valley resident Bailee Lynn Rios, was among the injured.
The driver is suspected of reckless driving and running a red light combined with possible DUI, police said.
The Metro Line 166 bus was eastbound on Nordhoff Street when it was hit by the SUV, according to LA Metro.
The Expedition was traveling south in northbound lanes on De Soto Avenue when the driver ran a red light and nearly struck a vehicle traveling east on Nordhoff Street, police said. The Expedition then collided with the bus.
The SUV ended up partially inside the bus. One bus passenger was ejected.
Firefighter-paramedics worked to free people trapped in the wreckage, some of whom suffered “crushing” injuries, authorities at the scene said. One bus passenger suffered severe injuries. The other passengers’ injuries were not life-threatening, authorities said.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner identified the victims as 46-year-old Daniel Castillo and 31-year-old Gage Weida.
Rios was held on $4 million bond. The case will be forwarded to county prosecutors for consideration of criminal charges.
Later Tuesday, three people were killed a fiery helicopter crash in Chatsworth, the LAFD said. NBCLA confirmed the helicopter was NewsChopper4 with two crewmembers aboard, journalist Eliana Moreno and pilot George Manciniw.