LOS ANGELES » Authorities say a car slammed into the wall of a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday, striking and critically injuring a 9-year-old girl who was on the sidewalk.

The driver of a sports sedan, a 67-year-old man, and a male passenger had non-life-threatening injuries after the crash, which happened just before 5 p.m. at the terminal used by United Airlines and United Express, Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey said.

The driver suddenly veered from an outer lane and jumped the sidewalk, police Sgt. Roy Ceja told the Los Angeles Times.

"All indications say he probably mistook the gas pedal for the brake," Ceja said, describing the crash as an accident.