Two men were critically wounded when they were struck by a distracted driver Tuesday night in Long Beach, authorities said.

Police responded to the traffic collision call on Tuesday, September 8, on Atlantic Avenue and Artesia Boulevard at 9:56PM.

According to a preliminary investigation, the driver allegedly ran a red light and struck the pedestrians who were on the crosswalk, Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) spokeswoman Marlene Arrona said.

Distracted driving may have been a contributing factor, Arrona added.

Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) personnel transported the victims in critical condition to a local hospital.

Authorities said the driver was released and charges are pending. 

The investigation remains ongoing.

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