WESTWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — At least three people were killed and six others were injured after a car crashed into a grocery store in Westwood Thursday afternoon.
The crash was reported at 12:11 p.m. on Westwood Boulevard and Rochester Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The driver hit a bicyclist and then continued down the road and crashed into the 99 Ranch Market. Some individuals were initially trapped underneath the vehicle, the department's Lyndsey Lantz told Eyewitness News.
Lantz initially confirmed that at least two victims died, and fire officials later said a third victim died as well. Those killed in the crash were identified as a 42-year-old woman, a 55-year-old man and a 30-year-old man. They were all inside the store's bakery at the time of the crash.
MORE COVERAGE: Community in shock after deadly Westwood crash
Four injured victims were transported to the hospital: two 35-year-old men in critical condition, and two other men – ages 37 and 38 – in fair condition.
The bicyclist who was initially struck and the driver of the vehicle declined LAFD treatment and also declined to be transported to the hospital, LAFD said.
The driver was described as an elderly woman who is cooperating with investigators and is undergoing a medical evaluation, LAFD Capt. Erik Scott said.
"This does not seem to be of any ill intent," Scott said. "(The crash) does not seem to be an intentional act, but rather being investigated, so far, as an accidental traffic collision."
A view from AIR7 showed a large response from first responders, with a triage area set up to treat patients outside of the 99 Ranch Market. What appeared to be a silver sedan could also be seen inside the front of the store.
Fire officials said the grocery store was yellow-tagged as a precaution and that no "ongoing structural instability" has been identified.
99 Ranch Market said in a statement it's heartbroken by the incident and that it's working with law enforcement and first responders investigating the crash.
"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," the statement said.
The statement added that the Westwood store will remain closed until first responders complete their work.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement that Los Angeles police, LAFD and the Mayor's Office Crisis Response Team will remain on scene.
"My heart is with the victims, their families, and all who were impacted by the deadly crash at the 99 Ranch Market in Westwood this afternoon," Bass said in the statement.
One resident who spoke with Eyewitness News said he's had many close calls with cars driving through that stretch of Westwood.
"I'm an avid walker around this area. People don't pay attention. People don't respect pedestrians… Sure, there's bike lanes, but what did they do in this case? They didn't help," Mike Maryniarczyk said.
