Woman killed in LA bus hijack
The pursuit stopped when the bus smashed into a van
By David Willis in Los Angeles
A woman has died and at least six people have been injured after an armed man hijacked a bus on the streets of Los Angeles and put a gun to the driver's head.
The incident began when the suspect became involved in an exchange of gunfire with police.
He commandeered the bus and held a gun to the female driver's head, forcing her to speed through busy streets.
In a scene resembling the film Speed, the hijacked car swerved through rush-hour traffic as police gave chase.
The 20-minute pursuit ended when the bus cut through red traffic lights and smashed into a van before careering into a car park.
The van driver died and several others were injured.
At least six people were treated at the side of the road by paramedics.
The suspect then ran from the bus but was caught and arrested at gunpoint by an off-duty police officer.
The drama was broadcast live on local television.
Police say it is a miracle that more people were
not injured.
-- Anonymous, May 03, 2001