Mission Hills, CA — On the bustling evening of February 2, 2022, at approximately 7:50 p.m., a dramatic collision at the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Devonshire Street in Mission Hills sent one vehicle careening into a street vendor’s cart, scattering debris and sparking alarm outside a busy shopping center. Miraculously, no injuries were reported in the incident, which drew a swift response from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and left onlookers rattled in this vibrant San Fernando Valley community.
The crash unfolded when two vehicles collided at the well-traveled intersection, a hub for commuters and shoppers. According to LAFD reports, the impact propelled one vehicle off course, smashing into a street vendor’s cart positioned near the shopping center. Witnesses described a chaotic scene: the screech of tires, the crunch of metal, and the vendor’s wares—likely tacos or tamales, a staple of the area’s street food scene—strewn across the sidewalk. The vendor, quick on their feet, narrowly escaped harm, as did the drivers involved.
LAFD crews arrived promptly, securing the scene and assessing both drivers and the vendor for injuries. To the relief of all, no one required medical transport, a fortunate outcome given the potential for disaster in such a high-traffic area. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Valley Traffic Division took over to investigate the cause of the collision, which remains under review. Preliminary accounts suggest a possible failure to yield or distracted driving, but authorities have not released official findings.
The incident, while injury-free, has reignited concerns about safety at the Sepulveda and Devonshire intersection, known for its heavy foot and vehicle traffic. Local residents and vendors, who bring life to Mission Hills with their culinary offerings, expressed frustration over recurring close calls. “This corner is always busy, and drivers speed through without looking,” said Maria Gomez, a nearby vendor who witnessed the crash. “We’re out here every day, and it’s scary.”
