LOS ANGELES – A woman in her 30s was killed and a roughly 6-year- old girl believed to be her daughter was critically injured Tuesday when they were struck by a pickup while walking near Hancock Park Elementary School in the mid-Wilshire area.
The crash was reported at about 8 a.m. near Fairfax and Colgate avenues, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Paramedics sent to the 6200 block of West Colgate Avenue found that the pickup had struck the woman and girl, who were walking near the school, then hit a two-story apartment building.
“The adult female was sadly found to be deceased on scene,” according to an LAFD statement. “The young girl was transported in critical condition.”
The motorist, a man about 30, was taken to a hospital in “moderate” condition, the LAFD reported.
The cause of the crash was under investigation.
“Speed of the truck, possible intoxication and motive are all elements of this ongoing investigation into this tragedy,” Los Angeles police said in a statement. Police said they were interviewing witnesses and searching for any possible video that may have captured the crash.
Police said the young girl who was struck is a first-grade student at Hancock Park Elementary.
Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho issued a statement lamenting the fatal crash.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who was involved in or witnessed the horrific traffic accident near Hancock Park Elementary School this morning,” he said. “We send our sincerest condolences to the entire school community and have mental health counselors available on site for students and employees.”
LAUSD Board of Education member Nick Melvoin added in a statement, “Our hearts are broken over the death of a Hancock Park Elementary parent in a brazen traffic accident this morning — and our prayers are with her daughter who remains in the hospital. We are sending support to the school and will continue to ensure mental health and counseling services are available to anyone in need.”
