Accident in Los Angeles
A 33-year-old woman died after the driver of an SUV mounted the sidewalk during an unsafe turn and crashed into a building, crushing the victim against the structure in the Vermont Square neighborhood of Los Angeles on Tuesday. Calls about the fatal collision at 1354 W. 46th St. came in shortly after 4:30 p.m., according to Los Angeles Fire Department officials.
"I've seen many of these," said Los Angeles Police Detective Gerald Chavarria. "I believe she died instantly."
Police reported that the victim, Lisbeth Estrada Rodriguez, a young mother and business owner in the neighborhood, was walking home when she was struck by Dwight Williams, 31, who made an unsafe turn at high speed before crashing into the innocent woman. "He collided with her, projecting her directly into the building, causing a cavernous crater in the building, which suggests high speed," said Det. Chavarria.
Williams was arrested for vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and was booked at the LAPD's 77th Street Station. Aerial footage captured by Sky5 showed police at the scene as they raised a tent over the young mother and cordoned off the area so detectives could begin investigating the cause of the fatal accident.
Neighbors told KTLA that Rodriguez and her husband ran a small market on the street and that the mother of two young children was beloved in the community. "She was a great person, a hardworking mother, always walking with her kids to school," said neighbor Jeremy Gonzalez. "I hope someone hears this and sets up a GoFundMe for her husband because I don't know how he's going to survive taking care of two kids, trying to work, and running a business."
The neighbor added that Rodriguez was an essential part of the neighborhood. "It's a tragic loss for us here in South Los Angeles," he said.
The LAPD reported that the intersection of Normandie Avenue and 46th Street was closed for an extended period while investigators determined the cause of the accident. The local community is devastated by the loss of Rodriguez, who was not only a dedicated mother but also a businesswoman committed to the well-being of her neighborhood. Neighbors hope that the family receives the necessary support to overcome this difficult situation.
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