Westwood, Los Angeles, California (February 5, 2026) — Three people were killed and at least six others injured Thursday afternoon after a vehicle crashed into the bakery area of a 99 Ranch Market in Westwood, a shocking incident that unfolded in the middle of a busy weekday and left a neighborhood reeling. Authorities identified the victims as Leonel Mateo, Deris Renjo, and Zih Dao, all of whom were inside the grocery store at the time of the crash.
The collision occurred shortly after noon at the intersection of Westwood Boulevard and Rochester Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Emergency responders described a chaotic and devastating scene as they worked to rescue victims trapped beneath the vehicle inside the store.
Incident Details: Los Angeles Fire Department officials said the crash was reported at approximately 12:11 p.m. Investigators determined that a silver Mercedes sedan, driven by a 92-year-old woman, first struck a bicyclist about a block away from the store. The vehicle then continued southbound, mounted the sidewalk, and crashed through the glass façade of the 99 Ranch Market, coming to rest inside the bakery area where employees and customers were present.
Firefighters arrived to find multiple victims pinned beneath the vehicle inside the store. A triage area was immediately established outside the market as additional fire and rescue units were dispatched to assist. Authorities confirmed that Leonel Mateo (52) and Deris Renjo (42) were employees of the store, while Zih Dao (28) was a customer. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.
At least four additional victims were transported to area hospitals, including two 35-year-old men in critical condition and two men, ages 37 and 38, in fair condition. The bicyclist who was initially struck and the driver of the sedan were both evaluated at the scene but declined hospital transport, officials said.
Investigation: The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the crash, which authorities have emphasized is not believed to be intentional. Early findings suggest that investigators are examining whether a medical emergency caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
In sudden vehicle control loss incidents, investigators analyze medical history, witness statements, vehicle speed, and braking data to determine whether the driver attempted evasive actions. They may reconstruct the sequence from the initial collision with the bicyclist through the impact with the storefront, using physical evidence, surveillance footage, and vehicle data.
Since the crash happened in a busy commercial area during business hours, they also assess pedestrian and cyclist visibility, roadway design, and safety measures that could have reduced severity. No arrests or citations have been announced, and the investigation continues.
Legal Considerations: Crashes that result in fatalities inside commercial buildings raise complex legal and safety questions. From a civil perspective, liability assessments may involve evaluating driver fitness, vehicle operation, roadway conditions, and whether prior warning signs of medical impairment were present. In some cases, claims may also explore property safety features, storefront protections, or municipal design considerations in high-traffic corridors.
For the Mateo, Renjo, and Dao families, wrongful death claims may be pursued to address funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the profound emotional harm left behind.
I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, coworkers, and loved ones of Leonel, Deris, and Zih, as well as to all those injured and affected by this devastating event.
Source: ABC7 Los Angeles ︱ FOX 11 Los Angeles