By Chelsea Hylton / CBS LA
At least three people were killed and six others injured when a car crashed into a supermarket in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles Thursday afternoon, authorities said.
The crash occurred shortly 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. 99 Ranch Market said the victims included two employees and a customer, and that the store will remain closed for the immediate future.
“We are heartbroken by this loss,” a company spokesperson said. “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 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 driver and a bicyclist, who was struck about a block away before the vehicle entered the store, declined medical treatment, LAFD said.
Mayor Karen Bass said her “heart is with the victims, their families, and all who were impacted” and thanked first responders for their immediate actions. LAFD Capt. Erik Scott described the driver as an approximately 70-year-old woman who is cooperating with police. He said the crash is being investigated as an “accidental traffic collision” and that there were no other passengers in the car.
Officials briefly yellow-tagged the supermarket, but inspectors later determined the building was stable. Bass said her crisis response team will offer support and resources to those affected.