Two people sitting on benches in a downtown Washington, D.C., park were killed when an SUV ran off the road and struck them, police say.

U.S. Park Police say that the two victims were sitting in a park at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 21st Street NW about 11:45 p.m. A Yukon XL SUV veered off Pennsylvania Avenue and careened through the park, striking two people.

Both died at the scene. The driver was critically injured, according to police.

Police say speed may have been a factor, but are still investigating the cause of the crash.

Three benches were destroyed in the crash, leaving just splinters and pieces of concrete.

SUV that went off Pennsylvania Ave and into Monroe Park is towed from the scene. 2 people on a bench in the Park were killed. I’m live at 6:45 with the latest. pic.twitter.com/u5SrDmB4pc — Megan McGrath (@MeganMcGrath4) July 11, 2019

An SUV was seen turned on its side and was towed off by a truck around sunrise.

The park is a triangle of green space in the bustling Foggy Bottom area, between three busy streets housing several restaurants and office buildings. A security guard who was near the area said many people were out at the time of the crash.

Expect road closures in the area as the investigation and clean up continues.

Stay with News4 for more on this developing story.