Residents Seek Safer Streets After Tragic Crash in Panorama City

Panorama City Residents Demand Safer Streets Following Deadly Crash

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. – Residents of Panorama City are advocating for urgent safety improvements at a notorious intersection following a tragic crash that claimed three lives on Friday. The incident occurred at the intersection of Woodman Avenue and Terra Bella Street.

Witnesses report a speeding minivan ran a red light, colliding with two vehicles. The impact resulted in the deaths of the minivan’s driver, as well as Adrian Carrillo, 26, and Heybi Herrera-Bautista, 25, who were in a Ford Mustang. A third victim, 24-year-old Clemente Meza Guerrero, also died at the scene. Another man was critically injured, while the driver of a Honda Civic fled.

Ola Walker, a long-time resident living at the intersection for over 30 years, expressed her frustration. "I’m just tired of people dying," she said. Walker has witnessed numerous accidents over the years, with few matching the severity of Friday’s crash. "We need to do more at this intersection."

She emphasized the urgent need for action, highlighting that frequent accidents have led her to raise concerns at neighborhood watch meetings. "It’s not just here. It’s Sepulveda and Sherman Way. When I go over there, I look always and make sure nothing is coming because I’ve seen people blow through the lights and I just don’t get it," Walker stated.

A recent report from Crosstown LA identified intersections like Sepulveda Boulevard and Sherman Way among the most dangerous in Los Angeles based on collision data. "We need something; too many people are dying," Walker reiterated.

In response to the tragedy, Councilmember Imelda Padilla’s office acknowledged the incident’s severity and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. They confirmed ongoing efforts to address traffic safety at the intersection, stating, "We absolutely see an urgent need for safety improvements at this and other dangerous intersections." The office plans to prioritize a motion in the new year requesting a comprehensive traffic safety study and funding for enhancements along the Woodman corridor.

Authorities believe the driver of the minivan was fleeing an unrelated collision before the deadly crash. As of Monday night, the LAPD has reported no updates on the hit-and-run driver’s whereabouts. The call for safety interventions in Panorama City underscores the community’s desire to prevent future tragedies at this dangerous intersection.