West Hills, CA — A reckless drunk driver in a Bentley, barreling down Vanowen Street at over 100 miles per hour, lost control in the early hours of March 18, 2022, at approximately 2:00 a.m., triggering a catastrophic collision outside El Escorpión Park Trails. The high-speed crash, which occurred at the intersection of Vanowen Street and Valley Circle Boulevard, left three parked vehicles mangled, a tree uprooted, and the driver critically injured, underscoring the devastating consequences of driving under the influence. Watch the full video here
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Topanga Division and Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded swiftly to reports of a major collision. Upon arrival, first responders found the Bentley sedan, heavily damaged, amid a trail of destruction. According to the LAPD’s preliminary investigation, the driver, whose identity has not been released, was intoxicated and traveling at an excessive speed when they veered off course, smashing into three unoccupied parked vehicles. The impact’s force uprooted a nearby tree before the Bentley came to a halt.
LAFD paramedics extricated the driver, the sole occupant, and transported them to a local hospital in critical condition. Miraculously, no bystanders or residents were injured, a stroke of luck given the crash’s proximity to residential areas and the popular park trails. The scene, littered with debris and twisted metal, required hours to clear, with Vanowen Street temporarily closed as crews worked under the glow of emergency lights.
The LAPD Valley Traffic Division is leading the investigation, with DUI and reckless driving charges pending against the driver, contingent on their recovery. Authorities noted that the Bentley’s speed, estimated at over 100 mph in a 35-mph zone, far exceeded safe limits, amplifying the crash’s severity. “This is a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving,” said LAPD Sergeant Maria Gonzalez in a statement. “We’re fortunate no one else was harmed.”
The incident has rattled West Hills residents, who frequent the nearby trails and consider the area a peaceful enclave. “I heard the crash from my house—it was like an explosion,” said local resident Carla Mendez. “That street isn’t a racetrack. We need more patrols to stop this kind of thing.” The crash adds to concerns about speeding and DUI incidents in the San Fernando Valley, prompting calls for enhanced traffic enforcement.
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