Police: Fatal Crash Near LA School Possibly Due To Medical Emergency

LOS ANGELES -- An investigation continues today into a crash that killed a woman and critically injured her 6-year-old daughter near Hancock Park Elementary School -- but the driver of the pickup involved remains out of custody, and the incident ``appears to be a tragic accident'' resulting from a medical emergency, police said.

Meanwhile, the fatal crash has also sparked calls for increased traffic safety around schools, including the installation of speed humps near all schools in the city and more crossing guards.

Ghadah Abduljabbar, 33, died at the scene of Tuesday's 8 a.m. crash near Ogden Drive and Colgate Avenue in the Mid-Wilshire area, the Los Angeles County coroner's office reported. The girl -- a first-grader at Hancock Park Elementary -- remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Her name has not been publicly released by authorities.

Abduljabbar and her daughter were walking in a crosswalk when they were struck by a southbound pickup that continued south and crashed into an apartment building. The woman died at the scene.

The driver of the pickup, a man around 30, was taken to a hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore told the Police Commission on Tuesday morning there were early signs that the driver may have been impaired.

On Wednesday, however, the LAPD issued a statement saying the crash may not have been the result of any criminal activity.

``At this time, based on the totality of the circumstances, this appears to be a tragic accident that possibly resulted from a medical emergency,'' police said.

``Investigation into this cause is ongoing, however, and will include the examination of additional evidence such as remaining video, canvass for additional witnesses and a forensic examination of the involved vehicle. The driver has been positively identified and remains out of custody at this time, but as the investigation proceeds there is a potential that charges may be
filed at a later date.''

-- City News Service