At approximately 9:36 p.m. on Friday, a multi‑vehicle collision unfolded at the intersection of Terra Bella Street and Woodman Avenue in Panorama City, a busy corner of Los Angeles County. The crash involved three cars and resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to four others, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The incident drew immediate attention from emergency responders and traffic officials, who arrived within minutes to secure the scene and begin a preliminary investigation. The severity of the impact was evident from the wreckage and the number of casualties, prompting the LAPD to classify the event as a fatal hit‑and‑run.
The first vehicle involved was a gray Plymouth minivan traveling westbound on Terra Bella Street at a high rate of speed. It entered the intersection while the traffic signal was red, causing it to collide forcefully with a blue Ford Mustang and a tan Honda Civic that were both moving southbound on Woodman Avenue. The force of the impact caused the minivan to overturn and the other two vehicles to sustain severe damage. The collision produced a loud explosion of metal and glass, which was reported by nearby residents who heard the crash before emergency services arrived.
The LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division investigators have stated that the driver of the minivan was leaving the scene of an unrelated crash before it was involved in this collision. This assertion indicates that the minivan’s driver may have been engaged in a separate incident earlier that evening, which could explain the vehicle’s high speed and failure to stop at the red light. The division’s preliminary findings suggest that the minivan’s departure from the earlier scene was abrupt, and that the driver’s actions directly contributed to the fatal outcome of the later crash.
Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and assessed the condition of the vehicles and occupants. They determined that the driver of the minivan, as well as the driver and passenger of the Ford Mustang, did not survive the impact. A passenger in the minivan was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the collision. The paramedics’ report emphasized the severity of the crash, noting that the sudden deceleration and the overturning of the minivan caused significant trauma to those inside. The emergency medical teams worked quickly to stabilize the wounded before transferring them to medical facilities.
The victims of the crash were identified as a 30‑year‑old man, a 20‑year‑old man, and a 20‑year‑old woman. These individuals were found deceased at the intersection after the collision. Their ages were confirmed by the medical examiner’s office, which processed the bodies for identification. The loss of three young lives has shocked the local community, prompting an outpouring of grief and concern from residents who live in the surrounding neighborhoods. The Los Angeles Police Department has requested that anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information about the crash contact the department immediately. Families are awaiting further updates as the investigation progresses.
Local resident Evelyn Reyes, who lives near the intersection, recounted the moment she heard the crash. She said, ‘I heard like something exploded, and when I heard that, I got out, and I see everything.’ Reyes added that her husband tried to help and cut the seatbelt with the other people, but they couldn’t. Her description of the noise and the sudden appearance of wreckage matched the accounts of other witnesses who reported hearing a loud bang and seeing cars tumble. The testimony of residents like Reyes is crucial for the investigation, providing a real‑time snapshot of the event.
Investigators also focused on the driver of the Honda Civic, who abandoned their vehicle during the collision. Police are searching for this individual, who is believed to have fled the scene after the crash. The driver’s disappearance raises questions about potential involvement in the hit‑and‑run, prompting the LAPD to intensify its search efforts. The department has issued a statement urging anyone who may have seen the Civic or knows its driver to come forward. The investigation continues as officers comb through surveillance footage and interview witnesses to identify the missing driver.
Following the crash, a makeshift memorial was erected near the intersection to honor the three people who lost their lives. Neighbors gathered to lay flowers and candles, expressing their sorrow and solidarity with the families of the deceased. The memorial became a focal point for the community, who gathered to remember the victims and to call attention to the dangers of speeding at this intersection. Residents noted that speeding is a common problem at the corner, and they worry that the area remains unsafe for pedestrians and motorists alike.
Community members have voiced concerns that speeding remains a persistent issue at the intersection of Terra Bella Street and Woodman Avenue. Evelyn Reyes said, ‘Some people drive so fast, I think it’s a little danger especially when people walking.’ The comment reflects the broader anxiety among residents about the safety of the area, especially after the tragic collision. The LAPD has urged drivers to obey traffic signals and to drive at safe speeds. Local officials are reviewing traffic patterns and considering additional measures, such as increased signage or speed enforcement, to prevent future accidents. The community hopes that changes will reduce future risks.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash, with a focus on the driver who abandoned the Honda Civic and the suspected hit‑and‑run perpetrator. The LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division is working closely with LAFD paramedics and forensic teams to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine the cause of the collision. Residents are encouraged to provide any information that may assist the investigation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of speeding and the importance of obeying traffic laws at busy intersections in Los Angeles. Authorities remain committed to finding the missing driver and bringing justice to the families affected. All efforts aim to protect the neighborhood.
Hi, I’m Ethan R. Coleman, a dedicated journalist and content creator at newsoflosangeles.com — your trusted source for the latest news, insights, and stories from Los Angeles and beyond.
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