WESTWOOD, Calif. — A chaotic and heartbreaking scene unfolded this afternoon in the heart of Westwood, as a vehicle careened through a busy parking lot and slammed into the entrance of a popular Asian supermarket. Authorities have confirmed that the 99 Ranch Westwood accident has claimed the lives of at least two people and left five others injured, turning a routine shopping day into a tragedy that has shaken the local community.

The incident occurred on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the 99 Ranch Market, a cultural and commercial hub for residents in the area. Emergency responders swarmed the location within minutes, but for some victims, help arrived too late. As police launch a full-scale investigation to determine if the crash was a horrific accident or a deliberate act, the neighborhood is left to mourn the loss of life in a place known for its family-friendly atmosphere.

Breaking: Car Crashes Into 99 Ranch Market

The crash took place during the peak afternoon hours when the market and its surrounding plaza are typically teeming with shoppers. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and witnesses on the scene, the sequence of events was sudden and violent.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a vehicle—described by some as a sedan and others as an SUV (specific make and model pending official release)—driving at a “high speed” through the parking lot. Unlike a driver looking for a parking space, this vehicle reportedly accelerated, striking multiple pedestrians who were walking near the storefront before colliding with the structure of the market itself.

“I heard a screeching noise, like tires burning, and then a massive boom,” said a witness who was loading groceries into her car nearby. “People were screaming. There was glass everywhere. It happened so fast.”

The Impact: The force of the collision was significant. The vehicle struck the entrance area, shattering the glass doors and causing structural damage to the front of the store. Shoppers inside the store and those on the sidewalk were caught in the path of the destruction.

Casualties: Two Dead, Five Injured

First responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) arrived on the scene to find a mass casualty situation. Triage areas were quickly established in the parking lot.

• Fatalities: Authorities confirmed that two individuals died at the scene. Their identities have not been released pending notification of their next of kin. It is believed they were pedestrians struck by the vehicle before it hit the building.

• Injured: Five other victims were transported to nearby hospitals, including Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Their conditions range from moderate to serious. Injuries reported include blunt force trauma, lacerations from flying glass, and fractures.

“This is a devastating loss,” said an LAPD spokesperson at the scene. “Our hearts go out to the families who lost loved ones today just trying to buy groceries.”

Investigation: Accident or Intentional?

As the medical response winds down, the criminal investigation is ramping up. The LAPD has cordoned off the entire shopping center, declaring it a crime scene.

The Key Question: At this time, investigators have not determined the cause of the crash. The central question remains: Was this an accident caused by a medical emergency or mechanical failure, or was it an intentional act?

• Driver Status: The condition and status of the driver have not been explicitly detailed in the initial reports. It is standard procedure in such cases to test the driver for impairment (drugs or alcohol) and to investigate their medical history. If the driver survived, they are likely being interviewed by detectives.

• Evidence Collection: Officers are currently reviewing security footage from the 99 Ranch Market and neighboring businesses. This footage will be crucial in determining the speed of the vehicle and whether there was any attempt to brake before impact.

• Vehicle Records: The car is being analyzed by forensic mechanics to rule out brake failure or a stuck accelerator.

“We are looking at everything,” the police stated. “We are reviewing witness statements, vehicle black box data, and surveillance video to piece together exactly what happened in the seconds leading up to this tragedy.”

Community Shock: A Safe Haven Shattered

The 99 Ranch Market in Westwood is more than just a grocery store; it is a staple for the Asian-American community and UCLA students living nearby. It is known for its bustling food court and fresh produce, a place usually filled with the sounds of commerce and conversation.

Today, it is silent, save for the sirens and the police radio chatter. “I come here every week with my kids,” said a local resident, fighting back tears. “You never think something like this could happen here. It’s a grocery store. You’re supposed to be safe.”

Community Leaders Respond: Local council members and community leaders have arrived at the scene to call for calm and offer support. “This tragedy underscores the fragility of life,” said a community representative. “We are asking everyone to support the victims and their families. This is a time for unity, not speculation.”

Mental health resources are being mobilized for witnesses and employees who experienced the trauma firsthand. The sight of such violence can have lasting psychological effects, and authorities are encouraging anyone affected to seek counseling.

Traffic and Closure Updates

The 99 Ranch Market and the immediate parking area have been temporarily closed and will likely remain shut down for at least 24 hours while the investigation continues and structural engineers assess the safety of the building.

• Road Closures: Police have blocked off access to the shopping center entrances. Traffic in the surrounding Westwood area is heavy due to the emergency response. Drivers are advised to avoid the area near the market to allow ambulances and police vehicles clear access.

A Call for Witnesses

The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging the public to help. “If you saw the vehicle before the crash, or if you have dashcam footage from the parking lot around the time of the incident, please come forward,” the LAPD urged.

Contact Information:

• West Los Angeles Police Station: (310) 444-0702

• Anonymous Tips: Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Conclusion

The 99 Ranch Westwood accident is a grim reminder of the dangers that can arise even in the most mundane settings. As night falls on Westwood, two families are grieving an unimaginable loss, and five others are praying for the recovery of their loved ones.

The investigation will take time, but the community’s resolve to support one another is immediate. “We will get through this,” a local business owner said. “But today, we just mourn.”

This is a developing story. Channel2 NOW Staff will continue to monitor the condition of the injured victims and provide updates on the police investigation as more details are released.

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Summary of Key Facts:

• Event: Vehicle crashed into 99 Ranch Market.

• Location: Westwood, Los Angeles (99 Ranch Market).

• Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026.

• Fatalities: At least 2 dead (Pedestrians).

• Injured: 5 transported to hospitals (Moderate to Serious).

• Cause: Under investigation (Accidental vs. Intentional unknown).

• Status: Market closed; Police reviewing security footage.