Three people are dead and multiple people are injured after a car driven by an elderly woman crashed into a grocery store in Los Angeles, blocks from UCLA, fire officials said Thursday.
The incident was reported at around 12:10 p.m. at the 99 Ranch Market grocery store on Westwood Boulevard near Rochester Avenue in the Westwood neighborhood.
Two of the people killed, who were declared dead at the scene, were outside the market when they were hit by the car, according to Los Angeles Fire Department Spokesperson Lyndsey Lantz.
When fire officials rushed to the scene, several people were trapped under the car and had to be extricated, Lantz added.
Among the injured, three patients are in serious condition while two others suffered minor injuries, the fire department clarified. All patients were taken to a hospital, the LAFD said.
Despite some misinformation that suggested the crash was intentional, LAFD Cpt. Eric Scott told reporters at the scene preliminary investigation suggests that it was an accident. He said the driver, in her 70s, may have been trying to avoid striking a bicyclist and crashed her silver sedan into the grocery store’s front door.
Law enforcement sources confirmed to NBC4 Investigates that drugs and alcohol were ruled out as the cause of the collision. The LAPD also said it was not an intentional collision.
The bicyclist was struck, but his or her condition was not immediately known. Scott said the elderly driver remained on the scene and cooperated with the investigation.
An initial report from the Los Angeles Fire Department indicated multiple people were struck, with some of them being hit before the vehicle slammed into the building.
While the front of the building and its glass door are damaged, the structure was not compromised, Scott said.
Officials from 99 Ranch Market said they are working closely with authorities as the investigation continued.
“We are heartbroken by this situation. Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and we are holding everyone affected, customers, team members, and the broader community in our thoughts during this tough time,” a representative from the grocery chain said in a statement.
LA Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, who represents the Westwood neighborhood, said her team is closely monitoring developments.
“My heart is with those injured and with the families of those who lost their lives. Thank you to the first responders on scene for their swift action,” Yaroslavsky, said.
