In a tragic unfolding of events in L.A.'s Westlake district, a 70-year-old woman lost her life after being struck by two different vehicles in rapid succession, while the man responsible for the initial collision was himself hit when attempting to provide assistance.
According to KTLA, the initial incident occurred around 5:40 a.m. on Tuesday, when an 83-year-old driver hit the woman as she crossed 3rd Street near Virgil Avenue, after which he got out of his car to help her as the second vehicle collided with them and fled the scene, this series of misfortune culminating in a distressing scene for first responders and the Westlake community.
The aftermath was described by the ABC7 report, detailing how the second vehicle failed to stop or render aid and continued driving north, leaving the injured parties in its wake. The woman was later pronounced deceased at the hospital where both she and the injured elderly man were taken for emergency care.
The Los Angeles Police Department has since issued a plea for information regarding the second driver, whose heartless departure from the scene only added insult to the tragic injury inflicted, authorities offering up to a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest as part of the city's effort to confront the scourge of hit-and-runs.
LAPD West Traffic Detectives are investigating and encourage anyone with information to come forward and contact them at (213) 473-0234 or provide anonymous tips through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
