Tragic Car Crash at L.A. Grocery Store Leaves 3 Dead, Multiple Injured

Elderly driver loses control, collides with bicyclist and plows into 99 Ranch Market in Westwood

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:31am

An extreme close-up of a shattered car sensor lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a tragic car crash at a grocery store.The devastating aftermath of a car crash at a Los Angeles grocery store exposes the fragility of life and the need for greater public safety measures.Westwood Today

A tragic incident unfolded in the heart of Los Angeles, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. On a Thursday afternoon, a silver sedan veered out of control, crashing into a bustling 99 Ranch Market in Westwood, resulting in a devastating toll. Three lives were abruptly ended, and several others were left fighting for their existence in the aftermath of this unexpected catastrophe.

Why it matters

The crash, a chilling reminder of life's fragility, occurred at a busy intersection in the Westwood neighborhood, raising concerns about public safety and the need for further investigation into the potential medical issues that may have contributed to the driver's loss of control.

The details

The Los Angeles Fire Department swiftly responded to the scene, where they found the driver, an elderly woman, had first collided with a bicyclist before her vehicle careened into the grocery store, trapping unsuspecting victims beneath its metallic frame. The identities of the deceased, a 30-year-old man, a 55-year-old man, and a 42-year-old woman, were revealed, leaving a profound impact on the community. The injured, including two 35-year-old men in critical condition and two others with minor injuries, were swiftly transported to hospitals for treatment.

  • The incident occurred on a Thursday afternoon in Westwood, Los Angeles.
  • The Los Angeles Fire Department responded immediately to the scene.

The players

Los Angeles Fire Department

The emergency response team that arrived at the scene and provided details about the incident.

Lyndsey Lantz

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department who shed light on the investigation's focus.

Sean Divekar

The store operations manager at 99 Ranch Market who recounted the bakery's familiar warmth, now tainted by the memory of the crash.

Masood Ahmad

The business partner of Sean Divekar who provided a glimpse into the human connection to this tragic event.

Michelle Nava

A witness who provided a firsthand account of the aftermath of the crash.

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What they’re saying

“The bakery's familiar warmth is now tainted by the memory of the crash.”

— Sean Divekar, Store Operations Manager, 99 Ranch Market

“I initially mistook the noise for a protest.”

— Georgy Blain, Westwood Resident

What’s next

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety is assessing the scene to ensure the safety of the surrounding area, and the investigation into the potential medical issues that may have contributed to the driver's loss of control is ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of public safety and the need for thorough investigations to understand the underlying causes of such events, in order to prevent similar occurrences and provide support to the affected community.