A tragic scene unfolded in Hollywood on Monday when a pedestrian was killed after being struck by an LAPD cruiser that was involved in a multi-vehicle crash. According to KABC, the accident happened near the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Gower Street.

The patrol car, traveling north on Gower Street, was hit by a vehicle heading west on Santa Monica Boulevard, sending it spiraling into a pedestrian and several other vehicles. The crash occurred just before 4 p.m., during which, according to LAFD alert, firefighters responded to find a total of seven patients, one of whom was transported in critical condition and later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

As reported by KTLA, a witness at the scene claimed that police were trying to clear the intersection with their horn when the accident abruptly took place. "All the cars just stopped," the witness said, adding that the crash and the police cruiser's spin occurred instantly before the vehicle struck his car.

LAPD Cpt. Kelly Muniz spoke at the scene, lamenting the tragic turn of events. "In law enforcement, you're here to help people. That's what we do. Even inadvertently if we're involved in something like that, it's always tragic for everyone involved. That's never the intent each day that you go out," Cpt. Muniz told KABC. 

An investigation is currently underway to ascertain the events leading up to the collision, including the status of the traffic light and any prior incidents involving the officers. Meanwhile, the intersection was closed for several hours as authorities combed through evidence. No indication of a police pursuit preceding the collision was found, which was alluded to by Muniz, noting that they were not in pursuit but what other activity they were involved in has yet to be determined.