LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — A 55-year-old man was killed Thursday afternoon after being struck and crushed by a semi-truck in a grocery store parking lot in Van Nuys, with police saying the incident appears to have been an accident and that no DUI or criminal activity was involved.

Officials said the collision was reported just before 2 p.m. in the 6600–6700 block of Van Nuys Boulevard, near Vanowen Street, where a semi-truck hauling a trailer was moving through the parking lot of JONS Fresh Marketplace.

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Los Angeles Fire Department officials said the victim, identified only as a 55-year-old male, was pronounced dead at the scene. Fire officials said the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner responded to handle the remains.

LAPD Valley Traffic Division Sgt. Frank Bancalari said the driver remained at the scene and investigators do not believe alcohol or a crime played a role.

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Police said the truck appeared to be attempting a tight maneuver in the lot, possibly while trying to reach a loading area, when the pedestrian was struck. Bancalari said the man may have been laying down or sleeping on the ground in the path of the truck’s turn.

Authorities said it was not immediately clear whether the man was unhoused, though some nearby residents and workers believed he may have been homeless.

A portion of the parking lot was taped off as investigators worked the scene, and community members gathered nearby to mourn the victim and express condolences to his family.

The incident remains under investigation.

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