A violent collision in Los Angeles' Boyle Heights neighborhood has resulted in the tragic death of a 77-year-old man and serious injuries to two teenagers, according to KTLA. The crash took place late Thursday night on the 3000 block of East 4th Street, where a Honda, driven by the elderly man attempting a left turn, was struck by a Mercedes traveling at high speed, surveillance footage suggests. The force of the impact left the Honda spinning to a stop in the intersection, while the Mercedes veered off the road, slamming into a pole.
Both teens, aged 17 and 18, were transported to a local hospital in serious condition, as reported by the Los Angeles Fire Department in a news alert. The driver of the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene. A witness, Connie Lomeli, recalled the moments leading to the crash, stating, "I want to say they were probably going like 85, 90. They were going pretty fast." Lomeli also observed that the teens “didn’t look like they were under the influence or anything,” as she told KTLA.
Further details regarding the circumstances of the collision have not been confirmed as authorities continue their investigation. According to coverage by ABC7, the identity of the 77-year-old man has not been released, and it is unclear if the teenagers from the Mercedes have been taken into custody following the incident.
Residents in proximity to the crash site were witnesses to the distressing aftermath, with some attempting to aid those injured. Recounting her efforts, Connie Lomeli said, "I tried to open the door, but I couldn't open the door, I opened the passenger side and the old man was really leaning over," a statement she shared with ABC7. The Los Angeles Fire Department has updated that, tragically, the driver of one vehicle was beyond medical help and declared deceased on location, as per their update on the incident.
