SUV slams into Metro bus in Los Angeles, leaving two dead

Two people were killed and six others were taken to hospitals after an SUV slammed into the side of a Metro bus Tuesday afternoon (15) in Chatsworth, Los Angeles.

The crash happened shortly after 5 p.m. near the intersection of Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue. Los Angeles Fire Department crews found several victims trapped in the wreckage and had to cut through parts of the vehicles to reach them.

The impact was so violent that part of the SUV became lodged inside the bus. Images from the scene show a large hole torn into the side of the Metro vehicle, which was carrying passengers during the evening rush hour.

According to LA Metro, the Route 166 bus was traveling eastbound on Nordhoff Street when it was struck by the SUV traveling along De Soto Avenue.

Witnesses told local media that the SUV appeared to be traveling at high speed before entering the intersection. People nearby rushed toward the bus to help injured passengers before firefighters arrived.

The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that two people were pronounced dead at the scene and six others were transported to hospitals. One victim was reportedly thrown from the bus during the impact.

Los Angeles police said Wednesday (16) that the SUV driver is expected to be arrested after being released from the hospital. Investigators are looking into reckless driving, a possible red-light violation and whether alcohol or drugs may have been involved.

Authorities are still working to determine exactly what caused the deadly collision.