A routine afternoon in one of Los Angeles’ busiest neighborhoods turned into a scene of horror after an elderly woman crashed her car straight into a packed grocery store, killing three people and injuring several others.
The deadly crash happened shortly after noon on Thursday at a 99 Ranch Market in the Westwood area, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. First responders arrived to chaos, with reports of people trapped beneath the vehicle inside the store.
Fire officials confirmed that three victims were pronounced dead at the scene and were “beyond any medical help.” Two additional people were rushed to hospitals in serious condition, two others suffered minor injuries, and two declined medical transport.
Early dispatch reports indicated some victims may have been struck before the car fully crashed into the building. At one point, the rear of the silver vehicle could be seen sticking out from the storefront.
Witnesses described panic and confusion moments after the crash.
Michelle Nava, who works at a nearby salon, told The California Post she heard a thunderous bang that didn’t sound like a typical car accident.
“It sounded very loud — not like a normal crash,” she said.
Nava said she saw frightened people pouring out of nearby businesses, thick smoke rising from the store, and a woman on her knees sobbing uncontrollably.
“Within 10 to 15 minutes, ambulances came and they started taking the bodies out,” she said. “That’s pretty much all I saw.”
Across the street, family members of victims were seen embracing and wailing as first responders worked the scene. Emergency crews set up a triage area and used a white tent to shield one of the victims from view.
Authorities said the driver — a woman believed to be about 70 years old — is cooperating with investigators and is currently being evaluated. According to LAFD spokesman Erik Scott, the woman struck a cyclist moments before losing control of her vehicle and crashing into the store. The cyclist survived and declined hospital treatment.
Scott also said there was no fire and that the building remained structurally stable.
The Los Angeles Police Department is conducting a full investigation into what led up to the crash. Officials emphasized the incident is not being treated as intentional.
DMV records show the vehicle involved was a leased 2023 Mercedes-Benz.
The store is located near the intersection of Westwood Boulevard and Rochester Avenue, in the Little Persia area just blocks from University of California, Los Angeles. The neighborhood is heavily trafficked by students, families, and shoppers, especially around lunchtime.
Fire officials praised first responders for their rapid and coordinated response.
“They arrived very quickly and tried to bring order to a chaotic situation,” Scott said. “Their priority was treating patients and getting them to emergency rooms as fast as possible.”