A woman lost her life and two individuals sustained injuries after an SUV crashed into a Toyota dealership’s enclosed service area in Mission Hills on Wednesday morning. The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that the crash took place around 9:10 a.m. Initial investigations suggest that the driver unintentionally pressed the accelerator, leading to a loss of control and the vehicle crashing into the building. The elderly driver struck two workers and a patron before finally coming to a stop in the customer reception area of the car dealership.
Witnesses at the scene described a horrifying scene, with a patron trapped under the vehicle after being dragged approximately 20 feet. Bystanders, including an off-duty nurse who initiated CPR, managed to free the victim. Unfortunately, the woman, aged 56, was in grave condition and was later pronounced dead at a trauma center. The two workers, aged 23 and 35, suffered non-life-threatening injuries, with one of them sustaining a head wound. Initially, fire officials reported four injuries, but the Los Angeles Police Department later clarified that only three individuals were hurt.
The driver of the SUV, who appeared uninjured, declined medical assistance and remained at the scene, cooperating with LAPD officers. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have stated that the crash does not appear to be criminal in nature. Aerial footage from Sky5 showed a significant presence of firefighters and LAPD officers at the scene. Inside the dealership, the aftermath of the crash was evident, with shattered glass and debris scattered throughout.
Jose, a witness who had arrived at the dealership to service his car, captured video footage of the incident. He recounted hearing a loud noise just moments before the SUV crashed into the building, narrowly missing him and another woman. As authorities continue their investigation into the crash, no further details have been released.