SIMI VALLEY, CA – A tragic accident left one pedestrian dead and several others injured Monday afternoon after a vehicle lost control and plowed into an outdoor dining area at a Simi Valley shopping center.
Fatal Sidewalk Collision
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. at the Target shopping center located at 51 Tierra Rejada Road. According to the Simi Valley Police Department, a woman driving a white Tesla lost control of her vehicle, jumped the curb, and struck a pedestrian walking on the sidewalk outside the Urbane Cafe.
The pedestrian, identified as a 79-year-old woman from Agoura Hills, suffered life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity is being withheld pending family notification.
Multiple Injuries Reported
After striking the pedestrian, the Tesla continued through the outdoor planters before crashing directly into the cafe’s patio dining area, scattering tables and umbrellas.
The Ventura County Fire Department responded to find a total of six victims:
- The Driver: A Thousand Oaks resident who suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Los Robles Hospital.
- Passengers: Three children were inside the Tesla; one was hospitalized with minor injuries.
- Bystanders: Four individuals on the patio were treated for minor injuries.
Investigation Ongoing
Simi Valley Police confirmed that impairment does not appear to be a factor in the crash. “At this time, there is nothing to indicate drugs or alcohol were a factor,” the department stated in a press release.
Traffic investigators are working to determine the exact cause of the crash. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident to contact Officer Daniel Muoio at 805-583-6291 or via email at [email protected].
