An out-of-control Waymo autonomous vehicle crashed into multiple parked cars on a narrow Los Angeles street near Dodgers Stadium over the weekend, with shocking surveillance footage capturing the dramatic sequence of events.
Surveillance Footage Reveals Terrifying Incident
Security cameras recorded the van going off-road in the 1200 block of Lilac Place, travelling at a high rate of speed along a grassy hill before knocking down a street sign at approximately 11am on Sunday. The footage from a different angle then shows the autonomous vehicle swerving back onto the street, where it clipped at least two vehicles parked on the side of the road.
Significant Damage to Parked Vehicles
One of the parked cars had its driver's side door open at the time of impact, and the collision left the door hanging by its hinges. The Waymo van finally came to a stop on the one-way street after getting a flat tyre, as it crashed into the rear of another vehicle parked along the street.
Homeowner Describes Close Call for Family Members
Homeowner Jorge Donantonio reported that his mother's car and a neighbour's car were struck in the collision, leaving them with vehicle damage as they await insurance claims. He told KTLA that the surveillance video clearly shows the Waymo losing control down the street before hitting his mother's vehicle.
Donantonio added that his mother and brother were standing nearby when the Waymo van flew past, nearly striking them as well. He explained that his brother was able to push his mother out of the way before the car approached, and fortunately both individuals emerged unharmed from the frightening incident.
Waymo's Statement and Driver's Condition
A representative for the self-driving taxi company confirmed that an autonomous vehicle specialist was in the vehicle at the time and was manually driving the van. The company stated there were no passengers inside during the crash and no injuries were reported.
However, Donantonio told NBC Los Angeles he believes the autonomous vehicle specialist was travelling up to 40mph down the narrow street in Echo Park, where residents typically travel at five to 10mph. The homeowner said he pulled the unidentified Waymo driver from the vehicle, noting the driver appeared injured by the airbags and claimed he was trying to hit the brake but lost control.
Aftermath and Previous Incidents
Cellphone footage from the scene obtained by NBC Los Angeles showed the specialist appeared disoriented and shocked moments after the vehicle came to a stop. The van displayed damage to the front bumper, with the airbags inflated inside the cabin.
Donantonio revealed that crashes involving autonomous vehicles have happened before on the street, claiming that during games at Dodgers Stadium, these vehicles tend to lose control. He noted his mother is now unable to drive while she waits for her insurance claim to be processed following the damaging collision.
