Elderly Couple's Car Plunges into Construction Ditch in Santa Monica on 4th Street Near Washington Avenue Tuesday Afternoon

SANTA MONICA, CA – On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., an elderly couple driving a Nissan Versa veered into a construction ditch on 4th Street and Washington Avenue, prompting a swift response from Santa Monica Police and local work crews.

The Santa Monica Police Department filed an accident report detailing the incident, which occurred in a section of the street excavated for water pipe repairs. According to the report, the ditch was part of an ongoing utility project and had not yet been covered at the time of the accident. Just hours later, temporary steel plates were placed over the excavation site to prevent further incidents. A dozen construction workers, who were on-site at the time, witnessed the event and remained as a tow truck arrived to extract the vehicle from the ditch.

No injuries were reported, and the couple was safely assisted by authorities.

The Santa Monica Police Department is investigating the cause of the accident, including whether signage or barriers around the construction zone were adequate. The incident briefly disrupted traffic in the area but was resolved efficiently with the cooperation of the construction crew and tow services.

Steel Plates later covering a 4th street hours after the car was pulled out of the ditch.

City officials have since emphasized their commitment to ensuring construction zones are clearly marked and safe for drivers. The public is urged to exercise caution around active work zones in Santa Monica. For further inquiries, contact the Santa Monica Police Department or the city's Public Works Department.