Nine people, including three children aged 8, 11, and 17, were injured in downtown Los Angeles when a minivan struck a crowd in the Fashion District Thursday afternoon, prompting an ongoing investigation.

The accident, which occurred around 3:15 p.m. near Santee Alley, left all victims in fair condition with no fatalities reported. While authorities continue to investigate the incident, preliminary assessments by the Los Angeles Police Department suggest it was not intentional and not related to drugs or alcohol. The crash has raised concerns about pedestrian safety in busy areas, especially involving vulnerable individuals like minors.

Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic scene as the minivan drove into the crowd, causing panic among those present. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the location, providing immediate care to the injured. Among the nine victims, three were minors, aged 8, 11, and 17, while the other injured included two 23-year-old women who chose to refuse medical treatment despite being assessed at the scene.

Local fire officials confirmed that the minivan came to a stop under a collapsed patio after the incident, indicating the severity of the crash. Although many victims were treated on-site, several were transported to nearby hospitals for further evaluation. Authorities reported that all individuals involved did not suffer life-threatening injuries, with many being in fair condition following the incident.

The LAPD has taken charge of the investigation, focusing on gathering evidence from the scene and interviewing witnesses. Investigators are particularly interested in understanding the circumstances that led to the minivan veering into the crowd. "At this point, we have no reason to believe the crash was intentional or involved any possible impairment from drugs or alcohol," said a police spokesperson during a media briefing.

The Fashion District, known for its vibrant shopping scene, typically draws many pedestrians and visitors, particularly during peak hours. The crash has prompted discussions about the need for heightened safety measures in high-traffic areas within Los Angeles. Local community members are expressing concerns over pedestrian safety, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe environment for families and children enjoying the area.

City officials and safety advocates are now calling for evaluations of current traffic regulations and pedestrian safety strategies in the Fashion District and other similar zones. "This incident serves as a reminder that we must remain vigilant about the safety of pedestrians, especially in densely populated commercial areas," stated a representative from a local safety group.

As investigations continue, the affected families are being offered support from local services. The city has also announced that they will hold a public meeting to discuss pedestrian safety and gather community input on improving conditions for pedestrians in the area. The hope is that through community engagement and actionable measures, similar incidents can be prevented in the future.

In the aftermath of the crash, businesses near Santee Alley are reporting a temporary decline in foot traffic as people exercise caution while visiting the area. Business owners have come together to discuss potential improvements to pedestrian safety that would benefit both shoppers and the local economy.