By Terry Miller and Susan Motander
A traffic collision occurred at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue this past Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 12:54 p.m. As a result of the collision, nine people were injured and required medical attention, including the adult driver of the vehicle, who is believed to have caused the collision. Several others were taken to local area hospitals. The cause of the accident is under investigation and the questioning of the driver believed to have caused the collision is pending, as they are being treated for their injuries and have not regained consciousness at this time.
Witnesses stated that the driver of a late model Mercedes-Benz station wagon was driving west on Foothill Boulevard at a very high speed, failing to come to a stop behind the already stopped vehicles at the intersection. The driver then drove around the stopped vehicles and through the intersection against a red light, striking the first vehicle, facing east in the number one lane of Foothill Boulevard. The impact caused an additional number of vehicles to collide into each other. The Mercedes-Benz struck a Toyota sedan, which became airborne, landing on the hood of a large pickup truck. The Toyota then rolled off the truck onto the south sidewalk of Foothill Boulevard, narrowly missing a mother walking her child in a stroller. The child was thrown from the stroller and was later taken to the hospital for medical examination.
Due to the extensive scene and the serious nature of several of the injuries, a specialized traffic investigations unit was called to assist. Several vehicles were stored as part of the investigation process so accurate data can be gathered regarding the cause of this collision.
As of Jan. 14, the two most seriously injured persons remain hospitalized in critical condition, but are expected to survive. The infant child that was thrown from the stroller was released from the hospital with minor injuries.
The scene was somewhat surreal: with steam coming out of vehicles’ engines and firefighters holding babies while paramedics treated the mothers and loaded up the numerous ambulances that were called in to transport the victims.
Verdugo multi-city response is often called for in major incidents like this but Monrovia led the initial investigation and first response.
Mothers and children were seen transported with minor to moderate injuries. But according to those on scene, it is a miracle no one was killed, particularly when you see the damage to so many vehicles, many of which will be write-offs.
Nine patients were transported, one to USC and others to area hospitals.
Of the six cars involved, one rolled over, one landed dangerously close to Chase Bank’s windows, and debris and personal effects were scattered for the majority of the block.
Monrovia Weekly was on scene moments after the accident thanks to a call from one of our advertisers, Photoworks by Rick, located where the accident occurred.
