4 men injured, 2 critically, by pickup truck in MacArthur Park 'accident,' LAPD says

WESTLAKE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Four men were injured, two critically, when they were struck by a pickup truck Thursday afternoon in MacArthur Park in the Westlake District, authorities said.

The crash was reported at around 12:40 p.m. in the 600 block of Park View Street, where the four victims -- ranging in age from 24 to 35 -- were hit while sitting on the lawn, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The men were transported to L.A. County-USC Medical Center, LAFD spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said.

Emergency officials initially said all four were in critical condition, but later said only two were in critical condition and two suffered non life-threatening injuries.

Shortly before the incident, a parking-enforcement officer was warning drivers who were parked at the location to move their vehicles, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

Before the driver of the truck "was in contact with the officer, he abruptly reversed," said LAPD Officer Aareon Jefferson.

The vehicle toppled a parking meter before hitting the group of men, who were sitting on the lawn. The motorist remained at the scene and rendered aid to the victims, according to police.

The cause of the crash was not immediately clear.

"At this time, we don't know yet until we speak to the individual," Jefferson said. "We're treating this as an accident. The driver is cooperative."

Video for AIR7 HD showed firefighter-paramedics evaluating the shirtless motorist as he stood near the black pickup. He was then placed into an ambulance and transported to a hospital in unknown condition. His identity was not released.

Police will determine whether alcohol or drugs were involved in the incident.