Woman Killed in Three-Car Crash That Leaves 6 Others Injured

A flat tire apparently led to a freeway car crash that claimed the life of Maria Lopez, a 62-year-old grandmother, and left her grandchild in critical condition and five others injured.

About 10 p.m. Tuesday, a Ford Escort carrying Lopez and five others was traveling north on the Harbor Freeway near Adams Boulevard when it apparently got a flat tire, authorities said.

The vehicle either slowed down or came to a complete stop in the left lane, California Highway Patrol Officer Scott Ellison said Wednesday.

A Ford Bronco slammed into the back of the Escort, propelling it into the path of a third vehicle.

Maria Lopez died upon arrival at a local hospital, and her 3-year-old grandchild suffered severe head trauma injuries. The child remained in intensive care at County-USC Medical Center late Wednesday, said hospital spokeswoman Adelaida De La Cerda.

A 6-year-old granddaughter suffered bruises and a bit of swelling near the mouth, Ellison said.

Two other women in the car were also injured. Meybel Peralta, 24, suffered a broken right clavicle and Sonia Acosta, 28, suffered a broken right elbow and a collapsed lung, Ellison said.

Both will remain at California Hospital, but Peralta may be released today, said Sylvia Robledo, a California Hospital spokeswoman.

The driver of the Escort, Luis Lopez, 25, of Los Angeles suffered minor cuts and complained of pain, Ellison said.

The driver of the Bronco, 52-year-old Akira Yamanouchi, was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital with a swollen eye. He was in stable condition, Ellison said.

Authorities said such tragedies could be prevented if precautions are taken.

“People need to move to the right lane or shoulder immediately if their car malfunctions,” Ellison said. “If you stay on the lane, you run a higher risk of being hit.”

The injuries to the 3-year-old child were made worse because she was not in a safety seat or wearing a seat belt, Ellison added.

“Unfortunately, these accidents happen a lot,” he said. “People don’t see the importance of putting their children in safety seats until accidents like this happen.”

California law requires that all children younger than 4 or weighing less than 40 pounds ride in car safety seats.

Ellison said that in 2002, the law will be changed to require that any child 6 or younger and 60 pounds or less be in a car safety seat.