Two seriously injured after car plows into Super 8 Motel lobby

LOS ANGELES - Two people were in critical condition after a car slammed into the lobby of a Super 8 Motel in Echo Park late Monday night, officials said. 

The incident occurred near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Vin Scully Avenue around 10 p.m. The motel is located within walking distance to Dodger Stadium. 

Police say the driver of a gray sedan was traveling westbound to pass another car when they lost control. The car struck a fire hydrant and a tree before plowing into the motel lobby.

The sound of the crash frightened motel guests. "I heard a massive bang," a guest said. He also said his girlfriend thought she heard a gunshot. 

No one inside the motel was injured and officials determined guests did not have to be evacuated. 

Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to extricate the driver and the passenger inside the gray sedan. They were taken to a local hospital in critical condition, officials said. 

The second vehicle involved in the crash sustained minor damage and no injuries were reported. 

The collision also caused the power to go out inside the lobby, but power inside guest rooms were not affected. 

The preliminary investigation revealed speed was a factor in the crash. 

The investigation is ongoing.