El Monte, Calif. – Around 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning, a car collided with the front of a Food 4 Less grocery store on Garvey Avenue, hitting three pedestrians. The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the scene and confirmed that at least one of the injured individuals was transported to a hospital, though the condition of the patients has not been released.
Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle strike the storefront and come to a stop with the front of the car still lodged inside the building. A helicopter from ABC Los Angeles affiliate KABC captured aerial footage showing the car embedded in the store’s entrance, underscoring the severity of the impact.
Police response and investigation
El Monte police officers arrived shortly after the crash and noted that the driver did not flee. According to police statements, the driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Authorities are gathering evidence, including surveillance video from the store and statements from witnesses, to determine the cause of the collision.
The incident is being treated as a traffic accident pending further investigation. No arrests have been made, and officials have not indicated whether speed, distraction, or another factor contributed to the crash.
Community impact
Food 4 Less is a neighborhood grocery that serves many families in the area, and the crash temporarily disrupted access to the store’s services. Local residents expressed concern for the safety of pedestrians and drivers alike, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness on busy commercial corridors.
City officials have previously urged motorists to observe speed limits and to remain vigilant in areas with high foot traffic, especially near schools, parks, and retail centers. This incident reinforces those reminders and highlights the importance of traffic safety measures in protecting community members.
Next steps
The fire department will continue to assess any structural damage to the store, while police will complete their investigation and release any additional information as it becomes available. Residents who witnessed the crash or have relevant information are encouraged to contact the El Monte Police Department.
As the community awaits updates on the condition of the injured pedestrians, local leaders reiterate their commitment to ensuring safe streets and prompt assistance for those affected by such emergencies.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
