Two critically injured in Santa Monica parking garage crash
A man and a woman were critically injured Friday afternoon when a motorist struck them as they were standing near an elevator in a Santa Monica parking garage.
The accident occurred in the garage in the 1500 block of 4th Street just before 1 p.m., said Lt. Richard Lewis of the Santa Monica Police Department. The female driver entered the parking structure and attempted to put her vehicle in reverse after driving past the ticket boot, Lewis said.
Her foot came off the brake, causing the car to roll forward, Lewis said. She then stepped on the accelerator instead of the brake, causing the vehicle to speed toward a ground-floor elevator in the parking garage, where the two victims were standing.
The 67-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman “suffered critical injuries to their legs after being pinned against the elevator and adjacent wall,” Lewis said. The female victim also suffered a head injury. Both were taken to local trauma centers. The condition of the victims is not known.
Police said the driver, whose identity has not been released, is cooperating with investigators. She also suffered moderate injuries as a result of the accident. Authorities say she was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Anyone with information about the accident is asked to contact Santa Monica Police investigator Jason Olson at (310) 458-8954 or Sgt. Phillbo Rubish at (310) 458-8950. Anonymous tipsters can call (800) 782-7463 or go online at www.wetip.com
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