LAPD cruiser involved in Lake Balboa crash that sends 2 to hospital in critical condition

LAKE BALBOA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Two people had to be cut out of a smashed vehicle and rushed to the hospital in critical condition after two civilian cars and an LAPD cruiser were involved in a major collision in Lake Balboa Tuesday.

The crash was reported around 7:44 p.m. at the intersection of Burbank and Balboa boulevards.

When firefighters arrived, they had to use hydraulic tools to extricate two patients. Two people were transported in critical condition to a local trauma center and a third person was evaluated at the scene but declined transport.

LAPD says one officer was also brought to a local hospital with minor injuries.

AIR7 HD footage of the aftermath showed the LAPD SUV with heavy front-end damage. A red Toyota Corolla had careened onto the sidewalk and became wedged between a light pole and a concrete wall. It appears that vehicle was the one involving occupants who had to be extricated. A third car, a white Chevy Camaro, was also damaged in the intersection.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Police said the LAPD vehicle was not involved in a pursuit at the time of the crash.