Three Killed After Car Plows Into Grocery Store in Westwood

Key takeaways

• Three people were killed when a car crashed into the 99 Ranch Market in the Westwood area of Los Angeles.
• The driver, a woman in her 70s, allegedly struck a bicyclist before plowing into the store’s bakery section.
• Six others were injured, including two people listed in critical condition.
• Authorities say there is no sign the crash was intentional, and a medical issue may have contributed.
• Karen Bass expressed condolences as the investigation continues and the store remains closed.

A routine afternoon in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Westwood turned into a scene of devastation when a vehicle plowed into a busy grocery store, killing three people and injuring several others. The crash, which unfolded in seconds, left employees, customers, and nearby residents in shock and prompted a major emergency response.

The collision occurred around midday on February 5 at the 99 Ranch Market on Westwood Boulevard near Rochester Avenue. Authorities say an elderly woman driving a sedan first struck a bicyclist and then continued forward, losing control before crashing through the front of the store.

The vehicle barreled into the bakery section, where several people were gathered. Some victims were reportedly trapped under the car when emergency crews arrived.

Fire officials said three people (a 42-year-old woman and two men, ages 30 and 55) were pronounced dead at the scene. Six others were injured, including two who were listed in critical condition.

Authorities later confirmed that two of the people killed were employees working inside the store, while the third was a customer. The victims were struck in the bakery area at the time of impact.

Family members described at least one victim as a devoted parent who had volunteered to work a shift that day. The sudden loss left relatives and coworkers grieving and prompted community memorials outside the store.

Firefighters and paramedics set up a triage area outside the building as police blocked off a stretch of Westwood Boulevard. Several patients were taken to nearby hospitals, while others declined treatment.

Officials said the structure did not suffer major instability, though the front of the building was heavily damaged. The store remained closed for several days as investigators examined the scene.

The market later reopened with what management described as a careful and respectful approach, acknowledging that the return to business would be emotional for employees and customers.

Police said the driver, in her 70s or 90s according to varying reports, stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Authorities emphasized that the crash did not appear to be intentional.

Investigators are examining whether a medical issue, pedal error, or another factor caused the driver to lose control. Drugs and alcohol were reportedly ruled out as causes.

In a later development, officials said the driver’s driving privileges were revoked at the scene, pending a review by the state’s motor vehicle department because of the fatalities.

The crash took place near the campus of University of California, Los Angeles, an area known for heavy foot traffic, students, and neighborhood businesses. Authorities confirmed that none of the victims were university students.

Local leaders and residents expressed grief over the tragedy. Memorials quickly appeared outside the store, with flowers, candles, and handwritten notes honoring the victims.

As the investigation continues, officials are working to determine exactly what caused the driver to lose control and how the chain of events unfolded. For many in Westwood, the crash has renewed concerns about pedestrian safety and the risks posed by vehicles in crowded commercial areas.

News Source: NBC Los Angeles