Hit-and-run crash in Santa Monica kills 2 pedestrians

Santa Monica police are looking for the driver who allegedly crashed into a group of people on a sidewalk Friday night, killing two people and injuring two more. 

Investigators say the pedestrians who were killed are a man and a woman in their 60s. Their identities have not been released.

The crash happened on Wilshire Boulevard near Euclid Avenue just after 9 p.m. The scene was still active early Saturday morning. 

"Our investigators are working tirelessly to identify and locate the suspect responsible, and our hearts are with the families of the victims who are experiencing unimaginable loss," said Interim Chief Darrick Jacob in a statement.

Santa Monica Fire Department and police responded to the scene, where they found a car had plowed into a group of four people. The car, an orange Dodge Charger, ended up on the sidewalk and smashed into a tree. Police say the driver ran from the scene. 

The two people injured in the crash were taken to the hospital and expected to survive, police said.  

James Bender of Santa Monica told CBS LA he was eating at a nearby restaurant when the crash happened.

"Felt like lightning inside the building," Bender said. 

"There were no brakes, there were no skids... it was just boom as he struck the building," Bender added.

Wilshire between 14th Street and Euclid Avenue is closed as investigators remain on the scene Saturday morning.