The incident was reported shortly after 5 a.m. near Main and E. 17th streets, just off the 10 Freeway, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the chase began when officers saw a gun being thrown from a green minivan near Central Avenue and the 10 Freeway. That gun has since been recovered, officials said. added the authorities.
Officers pursued the vehicle for approximately two minutes before the collision.
The driver and front passenger of the pickup truck were taken to hospital but are not believed to be life-threatening. The two rear passengers, who apparently were not wearing seat belts, both died.
“Our officers provided them with first aid while waiting for paramedics to arrive,” said Sgt. Hector Guzman. “Ultimately, one of the passengers inside the minivan was pronounced dead at the scene. The other was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Meanwhile, the bus driver and two others on board the bus were treated at the scene but did not need to be taken to hospital.
No additional details about the accident have been released.