The NOPD is investigating a fatal crash at the intersection of Tulane and South Carrollton avenues today (Oct. 2) that claimed the lives of three individuals and left two more injured.

Just before 5 p.m., Third District officers and NOPD Traffic officers responded to a call of a vehicle accident with injuries in the area. Upon investigation, officers discovered that a black Dodge flatbed tow truck was traveling southbound on Tulane Avenue when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle left the roadway, striking four pedestrians. The vehicle then drove through a fence and into the parking lot of the MidCity Shopping Center, striking numerous parked vehicles before coming to rest.

Two of the pedestrians struck by the tow truck were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third who was transported to a nearby hospital by EMS was later pronounced dead.

A fourth pedestrian and the driver of the tow truck were also transported to the hospital by EMS for treatment of injuries.

Investigation into the incident is ongoing. No further information is available at this time. The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office will release names and cause of death for those killed, upon autopsy and notification of family.

Traffic Fatality Investigator Anthony Pontiff is in charge of the ongoing investigation and can be reached at 504-658-6215 with any information regarding this incident.