At least three people were killed and six others injured when a car crashed into a supermarket in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon, authorities said.
The crash occurred a little after noon at a 99 Ranch Market in the 1300 block of Westwood Boulevard, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported. Aerial footage showed the vehicle lodged inside the supermarket.
Firefighters said three people were pronounced dead at the scene: a 55-year-old man, a 42-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man.
In a statement, 99 Ranch Market said the victims were two employees and a customer. It added that the store will remain closed for the immediate future.
“We are heartbroken by this loss,” a company spokesperson wrote in a statement. “Our deepest condolences are with the families, loved ones, and colleagues of our team members who lost their lives, as well as with the family of the customer who passed away. Our focus remains on supporting our employees and their families during this profoundly difficult time.”
LAFD also said two 35-year-old men were hospitalized in critical condition. Another two men, a 38-year-old and a 37-year-old, were taken to the hospital in fair condition.
The Los Angeles Police Department also reported that the same driver unintentionally struck a bicyclist about a block away from the scene before crashing into the store. The bicyclist and the driver denied medical treatment, according to LAFD.
“My heart is with the victims, their families, and all who were impacted by the deadly crash at the 99 Ranch Market in Westwood this afternoon,” Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement. “I want to thank our first responders who acted immediately to respond to this emergency and render critical aid.”
LAFD Capt. Erik Scott described the driver as an approximately 70-year-old woman and said she is cooperating with police. At this time, he said the crash is being investigated as an “accidental traffic collision.” There were no other passengers in the car at the time of the crash.
CBS LA
LAFD said the supermarket was briefly yellow-tagged, but inspectors determined that the building was stable. Bass said her crisis response team will offer support and resources.
