2 injured after big rig hauling vehicles crashes into Panorama City apartment complex

A big rig hauling nearly half a dozen vehicles slammed into the side of an apartment building in Panorama City on Tuesday afternoon. 

The crash happened in the 8000 block of Van Nuys Boulevard at around 2:20 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. 

Firefighters said that two people were taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after the crash, which remains under investigation. 

Before crashing into the complex, which appears to be the Villa Van Nuys Townhomes, the truck also collided with five vehicles that were parked on the side of the road.

In all, 13 residents of the townhomes were displaced and the Red Cross was contacted to assist them with finding temporary shelter, firefighters said. 

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety was also notified to assess the structural integrity of the building, while the gas utility provider was contacted to repair a broken gas line. 

Just before 10 p.m., the big rig was finally towed away from the street. Aerial footage showed severe damage to the side of the apartment complex where the truck crashed.

Neighbors say that the impact could be felt throughout the complex.

"We were just in the living room, and it actually felt like an earthquake," said Maria Robles. "It shocked us when we came out; we saw the trailer and a bunch of smoke."

She said that the smell of the gas from the broken line was so strong that they felt queasy afterwards.

 The status of the big rig's driver remains unclear and its unknown if they could face charges for the crash.