A tragic accident at a 99 Ranch Market in Westwood has left three people dead and several others injured. The incident occurred when a 92-year-old woman drove her silver Mercedes into the store during lunchtime.
The deceased have been identified as 42-year-old Deris Renoj, who died at the scene, along with two men, aged 30 and 55. Their identities will be revealed once their families are notified. The market is now closed, boarded up, and flowers have been placed at the site in memory of the victims.
Two of the victims were employees of the market, while Renoj’s status—whether as a customer or employee—remains unclear. The police have labeled the incident as an accident and are currently investigating. Authorities are looking into the possibility of “pedal misapplication,” which happens when a driver accidentally presses the gas instead of the brake.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene. Nick Derobbio, who was nearby, saw the car crash into the bakery section. He noted that he had often waited for his food right where the car crashed, emphasizing how close this incident hit home for him.
In total, four individuals were hospitalized, including two men in critical condition. Both the elderly driver and the bicyclist she hit did not seek medical attention.
Such accidents are not unheard of; last year, a similar incident in a supermarket parking lot sparked discussions about driver safety among seniors. According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, older drivers are more prone to such mishaps, leading some experts to advocate for more stringent driving tests for elderly drivers.
If you or a loved one has concerns about aging drivers, resources are available to help navigate this sensitive issue. Meanwhile, the investigation is ongoing, and it’s a grim reminder of the need for safer practices in driving, especially among seniors.
For more information on driver safety and related statistics, you can visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
