American rockers The Ataris have launched a crowdfunding campaign after their tour van was hit by a stolen car and “totalled” during a police chase in Hollywood on Monday.
Frontman Kris Roe appears to have been the only person in the van at the time, and took to Facebook to tell fans of the “beyond terrifying” experience.
“Some lunatic flew around the corner in Hollywood,” he said. “He was being chased by multiple police cars. Traveling at high pursuit driving recklessly in a supposedly stolen car.
“He slammed straight in into me head on at full speed. He was traveling so fast that he sent my huge, several thousand pound Van from the outer left lane into the parking lane.
“He was traveling with such force that the center engine console detached and shot forward into the van ramming into my leg.”
Roe said he then found himself in the middle of an active crime scene, but managed to get out of the way.
“I feel lucky to be alive. I am beyond shaken up,” he said.
In a further statement on Wednesday, The Ataris told fans they’ve started a GoFundMe account “to hopefully help cover the costs of purchasing a similar used tour van, so that we may continue making a living and playing shows”.
They asked fans for their support, but said “if you can’t donate we more than understand”.
“Thank you so much for all of the kind words, love, support and generosity,” they said. “Please hug them all today and never take one second for granted.”
At the time of writing, almost $3,000 has been raised in the last 24 hours.
See photos of damage to the two vehicles and Roe’s full statements, below.
