Car Crashes Into 99 Ranch Market on Westwood Blvd, Killing Three Bakery Patrons and Injuring Six Other People

A tragic accident occurred on Thursday, February 5, 2026, when a 92-year-old woman lost control of her vehicle and crashed into the 99 Ranch Market in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, killing three people and injuring six others.

The incident took place shortly after noon near the intersection of Westwood Boulevard and Rochester Avenue. Authorities reported that the driver, operating a silver Mercedes sedan (though some early reports mentioned a different make), first struck a bicyclist about a block away, then continued before veering off the road and smashing through the front glass windows of the supermarket. The vehicle entered the bakery section, where it trapped several individuals underneath or near it.

Los Angeles Fire Department and police officials confirmed that the three fatalities occurred at the scene inside the store. The victims were: Deris Renoj, 42, a customer and mother of young children, who died at the scene. And Zih Dao, 28, identified as one of the store employees.

A third victim, a man aged approximately 52–55 (reports vary slightly on exact age and full name; one source referenced Leonel Mateo, 52, as a store employee who perished).

Two of the deceased were employees of the 99 Ranch Market, while the third was a shopper. All three were in the bakery area at the time of impact.

Six additional people were injured, with varying conditions reported: at least two were initially listed as critical, and others in fair condition. Paramedics treated and transported the survivors to area hospitals.

Dashcam and surveillance footage that later emerged showed the harrowing moment the vehicle accelerated toward the storefront and crashed inside, creating chaos among shoppers and staff.

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the crash as accidental, with no indication of impairment or intentional acts. Officials noted the driver's advanced age as a factor under review, but no charges have been filed as of February 8, 2026. The bicyclist struck earlier was not among the fatalities, though details on their condition remain limited in public reports.

The 99 Ranch Market, a popular Asian supermarket chain location near the UCLA campus, remains closed as crews assess structural damage and investigators continue their work. A memorial has grown at the site, with community members leaving flowers and messages for the victims.

This incident has renewed local discussions about vehicle safety near pedestrian areas and the risks associated with elderly drivers. Authorities urged anyone with information to contact the LAPD.