US Commerce Sec suffers seizure, causes road mishaps in LA

An unconscious US Secretary of Commerce John Bryson, who was hospitalised after he allegedly caused a series of traffic accidents here during the weekend, suffered a seizure, US officials said today.

Bryson was driving a Lexus in the 400 block of South San Gabriel Boulevard last evening, when he allegedly rear-ended a Buick as it was waiting for a train to pass, according to a statement issued by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the San Gabriel Police Department.

"Preliminary investigation indicates the collision was caused by Suspect John Bryson, who is the United States Secretary of Commerce," the joint statement said.

Bryson, 68, was found unconscious in his vehicle and has been hospitalised, officials said.

He was cited for felony hit and run but was not booked into jail because he had been admitted to the hospital, Los Angeles Times reported.

Meanwhile, in Washington, Commerce Department officials said Bryson suffered a seizure while driving in Los Angeles.

"Secretary Bryson was involved in a traffic accident in Los Angeles over the weekend. He suffered a seizure," Commerce Department spokeswoman Jennifer Friedman said in a statement.

"He was taken to the hospital for examination and remained overnight for observation. He was released and has returned to Washington," Friedman said.

Earlier, authorities in Los Angeles said that the top Obama administration official had stopped briefly to talk to the three men inside the Buick. He then left the location in the Lexus and then struck the Buick a second time.

The men followed Bryson's car and called 911 to ask for police assistance.

Bryson continued to drive his Lexus into Rosemead where he allegedly crashed into a second vehicle near the intersection of San Gabriel Boulevard and Hellman Avenue.

There authorities found him alone and unconscious behind the wheel of his car.

Bryson was treated at the scene by Los Angeles County firefighters. Authorities said drugs or alcohol do not appear to have played a role in the crash.

There were no serious injuries to the passengers in the Buick and Honda. Bryson's Lexus and the Honda suffered minor damage, police said.

Bryson, who took office last October as America's top commerce official, was the Chairman of Edison International. He had helped Edison International emerge as a leading solar and wind power firm.

There was no immediate response for comment from the Commerce Department, US media said.