Two people were rushed to the hospital Tuesday evening in critical condition after a three-car crash in Encino involving an officer with the Los Angeles Police Department.
Crews with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the intersection of Balboa and Burbank boulevards just before 8 p.m. on reports of the collision, according to an LAFD news release.
First responders were forced to use hydraulic tools to extract two of the patients involved in the crash out of one of the vehicles. Both were then taken to the hospital.
The police officer involved in the crash was also taken to the hospital with minor injuries, LAPD confirmed to KTLA.
Aerial footage from Sky5 showed a heavy presence of fire and police personnel on the scene.
L.A. police and fire at the scene of a three-car collision involving an LAPD cruiser on June 4, 2024. (KTLA) 
L.A. police and fire at the scene of a three-car collision involving an LAPD cruiser on June 4, 2024. (Citizen) 
L.A. police and fire at the scene of a three-car collision involving an LAPD cruiser on June 4, 2024. (KTLA) 
L.A. police and fire at the scene of a three-car collision involving an LAPD cruiser on June 4, 2024. (KTLA) 
L.A. police and fire at the scene of a three-car collision involving an LAPD cruiser on June 4, 2024. (KTLA) 
L.A. police and fire at the scene of a three-car collision involving an LAPD cruiser on June 4, 2024. (KTLA)
One of the involved vehicles could be seen wedged between a light pole and a wall on the sidewalk. That vehicle sustained heavy damage. Nearby, an LAPD police cruiser with its rear end on the sidewalk and its heavily battered front end in the crosswalk was visible.
A third vehicle with minor damage to its front driver’s side was also at the corner of the intersection.
Details are limited and it’s unclear exactly what led to the crash or whether authorities were engaged in a pursuit with a suspect at the time.
No further information was provided.
