Three people were killed and two others critically injured after a car crashed into a grocery store in the Westwood area of Los Angeles on Thursday, officials said.
Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) spokespersons confirmed that all three victims – two men, aged 55 and 30, and a 42-year-old woman – were inside the store’s bakery when the Toyota Prius struck the building. Some victims were reportedly trapped under the vehicle, which ended up inside the market.
The driver, a woman in her 70s, was speaking with police following the crash. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Capt. Anthony Espinoza said the incident appeared to be accidental. “It appears the driver hit a bicyclist and then unintentionally lost control of her car,” he said.
Four people were taken to local hospitals. Two men, both aged 35, were reported in critical condition. Two other men, aged 38 and 37, were in fair condition. The cyclist involved suffered minor injuries and declined treatment at the scene. The driver also declined medical attention.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full circumstances of the crash. No further injuries have been reported.