2 LAPD officers injured after patrol unit involved in crash overturns in South Los Angeles

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Two Los Angeles police officers sustained injuries when their patrol vehicle overturned in a crash in South Los Angeles, requiring one of them to be cut free from the wreckage.

The collision occurred around 8 p.m. Monday night while officers were responding to a backup request in the area.

They were heading northbound on Vermont Avenue toward 61st Street when the SUV collided with a van headed in the same direction, causing the driving officer to lose control. The patrol unit then smashed into a light pole and sheared a fire hydrant, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The van involved stayed at the scene, police added.

The patrol unit had their lights and sirens on, and witnesses reported that it was traveling at a high rate of speed.

"What I would remind the public of is that if you see a police vehicle responding with lights and sirens, remember (to) yield over to the right," Lt. Ted Urena said.

Firefighters managed to free the officers from their vehicle which appeared to have sustained major damage to the driver's side.

Both officers, assigned to LAPD's 77th Division, were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

It's unclear exactly what caused the collision.

DEVELOPING: This story will updated as more information becomes available.