LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded Thursday night in Koreatown when a 9-year-old boy was killed and his 19-year-old brother later succumbed to his injuries after being struck by a recreational vehicle (RV) while riding e-scooters, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The crash occurred just after 7:25 p.m. in the 300 block of South New Hampshire Avenue, one block west of Vermont Avenue. First responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived on scene to find the two siblings critically injured.
The 9-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene, while his older brother was transported to a nearby hospital in stable condition, LAFD spokeswoman Lyndsey Lantz confirmed.
According to LAPD, the driver of the RV was detained on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). Video from the scene shows officers performing a field sobriety test on the suspect before placing him under arrest. The footage also captures heartbreaking imagery: a scooter lying on the pavement and a pair of small shoes beneath the front tire of the RV, just feet away from the child’s covered body.
Witnesses and neighbors say the RV is a familiar sight in the area, although the identity of the driver remains unclear to them. Residents also raised concerns about unsafe crosswalks and poor street lighting, issues they believe contribute to the dangers pedestrians and cyclists face in the neighborhood.
The crash has reignited calls for improved pedestrian safety measures in Koreatown, especially in residential zones frequented by families and children.
This devastating incident is currently under investigation by the LAPD. Anyone with information is urged to contact the department to assist with the ongoing case.
As a community grieves the unimaginable loss of a young life, many are demanding swift action to prevent future tragedies on Los Angeles streets.
Leave a Reply