A devastating multi-vehicle crash in the Sawtelle neighborhood of West Los Angeles claimed the life of one individual and left two others injured on Thursday night. The Los Angeles Police Department responded to the incident, which took place at the intersection of Centinela Avenue and Olympic Boulevard at approximately 8:12 p.m., as reported by KTLA.

Witnesses at the scene captured cellphone video footage showing the severe damage inflicted upon the vehicles, including a sedan that had collided with a large tree on the center median and an overturned SUV. Of the casualties, one person was declared deceased at the scene, while another suffered critical injuries and was transported to a hospital; a third victim sustained minor injuries, according to authorities. The eastbound lanes of Olympic Boulevard between Cetinela Avenue and Stewart Street were closed to traffic as crews worked to clear the wreckage, with drivers being advised to seek alternative routes.

Further details about the incident were provided by NBC Los Angeles, noting that at least six vehicles, including two Teslas—one overturned—were involved. The exact number of cars involved remains unconfirmed by authorities, but those involved in the accident were being questioned by detectives. Meanwhile, the cause of the accident is still subject to ongoing investigation.

The crash's impact was felt well beyond the physical wreckage. FOX LA reported that a man in his 50s was pronounced dead at the site of the crash, which caused Centinela Avenue to be shut down for hours. Speeding is suspected to have been a factor in the crash, which saw a westbound vehicle on Olympic Boulevard collide with an eastbound vehicle turning southbound onto Centinela. Two remaining victims were conveyed to the hospital in stable condition after the incident, as the LAPD continues to look into what might have led to such a tragic outcome.

The identities of those involved have not been released as investigations proceed.