Westwood Grocery Store Crash: 3 Dead, 6 Injured After Driver Loses Control

Tragic Collision at 99 Ranch Market

• 💥 A vehicle violently crashed into the 99 Ranch Market on Westwood Boulevard near Rochester.
• 💔 The incident occurred around 12 noon, resulting in the deaths of 3 people and injuries to several others.
• ⚠️ Investigators believe a woman in her 90s, driving a Mercedes, lost control after colliding with a bicyclist a block away.

Eyewitness Accounts and Aftermath

• 📹 Dashcam video captured the car accelerating through the front window of the store.
• 🚑 Emergency crews worked to rescue victims, some trapped under the vehicle.
• 😔 A bouquet of flowers was left at the scene in memory of those who died.

Victims and Driver Status

• 👥 The deceased, identified as 2 employees and 1 customer, ranged in age from 30 to 55.
• 🏥 Four people were hospitalized with injuries, two in critical condition.
• 🚗 The 92-year-old driver of the Mercedes was reportedly cooperating with investigators, was not hurt, and will not be charged with a crime.

Discussion on Driver Age and Pedal Misapplication

• 🗣️ One witness suggested an age cut-off for driver's licenses, citing practices in her home country.
• 🧠 The incident raises questions about elderly drivers and the phenomenon of pedal misapplication, where the gas pedal is confused with the brake.
• 📌 Researchers have studied this issue, with a similar incident occurring in Santa Monica in 2003 involving an 86-year-old driver.