Tragic Crash at Westwood Grocery Store Leaves Three Dead, Four Hospitalized
A vehicle crashed into a grocery store in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon, resulting in three fatalities and the hospitalization of four individuals. The incident occurred at approximately 12:11 p.m. at the 99 Ranch Market on Westwood Boulevard and Rochester Avenue.
Authorities do not suspect the crash was intentional, and the cause remains under investigation.
Incident Overview
The incident involved a sedan, which was identified in some reports as a silver Mercedes-Benz and in another as a Toyota Prius. The vehicle initially struck a bicyclist at Wellworth Avenue and Westwood Boulevard before continuing approximately one block and crashing into the front of the 99 Ranch Market.
The car primarily impacted the store's windows, with its rear remaining visible inside the bakery section for hours after the event. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), multiple individuals were trapped beneath the vehicle following the crash. First responders quickly established a triage area outside the market.
Casualties and Condition of Injured
Three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. They were identified as two men, aged 30 and 55, and a 42-year-old woman. All three were located within the store's bakery section at the time of the crash. One of the deceased victims was identified as Deris Renoj, age 42. Reports indicate that two of the fatalities were market employees, and one was a customer.
Four other individuals were transported to local hospitals. Two men, both 35 years old, sustained critical injuries, while two other men, aged 37 and 38, were reported to be in fair condition.
The driver, identified as an approximately 70-year-old woman, declined hospital transport. She remained at the scene, cooperating with investigators and undergoing a medical evaluation. The bicyclist involved in the initial collision sustained minor injuries and also declined medical treatment at the scene.
Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. Authorities, including the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), have stated that the incident does not appear to be intentional and is being treated as an accidental traffic collision. Investigators are examining whether the driver experienced a medical issue that led to a loss of vehicle control.
Witness accounts include observations of bystanders extracting a person from the building and reports of people running from the market amidst smoke following the collision.
Official Response and Support
City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky confirmed her team is monitoring the situation. Mayor Karen Bass deployed a crisis-response team to the scene. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety conducted an assessment of the 99 Ranch Market's structure and determined there was no ongoing instability as a result of the impact.