Black Boxes Retrieved From Involved Cars
By Terry Miller
A major traffic collision which occurred at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue last Wednesday, Jan.13, is still under investigation this week by detectives from Monrovia and Arcadia. Due to the extensive scene and the serious nature of several of the injuries, a specialized traffic investigations unit, the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) from Arcadia P.D., was called to assist.
As a result of the traffic collision, nine people were injured and required medical attention, including the adult driver of the vehicle 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 the driver is being treated for critical injuries. In addition, toxicology reports have been delayed due to overloaded Los Angeles County demands post-holiday.
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 for a red light.
Other witnesses said the vehicle was driving erratically long before she got to the intersection where she struck the first car which became airborne, rolled over and landed on a large truck then ultimately fell off that vehicle where it came to rest outside Chase Bank.
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.
Several vehicles were stored as part of the investigation process so accurate data can be gathered regarding the cause of this collision.
Monrovia Weekly contacted Yogurtland’s General Manager, Anthony Nagatsuka, whose business has video surveillance of the accident which was turned over to Monrovia Police.
Albeit very grainy, it is very dramatic footage and the Mercedes can clearly be seen hitting one vehicle which then became airborne. Additionally, one can see the mother with the stroller getting out of harm’s way.
Part of MAIT’s job requires some complex mathematics and other calculations based on the information that will be supplied by the ‘black boxes’ of the vehicles involved.
As of Jan. 20, 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.
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. The investigation is led by Monrovia P.D. If you have any additional information, please contact Monrovia Police at (626) 256-8000.
