Simi Valley, California — A routine afternoon at a shopping center in Simi Valley turned tragic when a Tesla left the roadway, struck a pedestrian, and crashed into the outdoor dining area of a restaurant, killing a 79-year-old woman.
The fatal collision occurred Monday afternoon outside an Urbane Cafe located in a shopping center near Tierra Rejada Road and Madera Road, leaving witnesses shaken as emergency crews rushed to the scene.
Authorities continue investigating what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway.
Tesla Strikes Pedestrian Before Crashing Into Restaurant
According to the Simi Valley Police Department, the crash was reported at approximately 2:30 p.m.
Investigators said a white Tesla was traveling north through the shopping center parking lot and was attempting to make a right turn toward Madera Road when it failed to complete the turn.
Instead, the vehicle jumped the curb, struck a woman who was walking along the sidewalk, and continued into the outdoor seating area of Urbane Cafe.
The impact left tables, chairs, and broken glass scattered across the patio.
When first responders arrived, they found the victim trapped underneath the vehicle. Despite emergency efforts, the 79-year-old woman was pronounced dead.
Authorities said the victim was from Agoura Hills, although her identity has not yet been publicly released pending family notification.
Two Diners Narrowly Escaped the Crash
Police said the collision could have resulted in even greater tragedy.
Investigators determined that two customers had just gotten up from their table moments before the Tesla crashed into the restaurant’s outdoor seating area, narrowly avoiding being struck.
The incident unfolded in front of shoppers and restaurant patrons, many of whom watched emergency crews respond.
Witness Dana Aghassi described the heartbreaking scene.
“I don’t know the whole story, but this poor lady just lost her life having lunch on a Monday afternoon.”
Following the crash, flowers were placed outside the restaurant in memory of the victim.
Driver and Passengers Suffer Minor Injuries
Police said the Tesla was being driven by a 64-year-old woman who was accompanied by four juvenile passengers.
The driver reported a wrist injury and, along with one of the juveniles, was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.
The remaining three children were released to family members.vAuthorities have not indicated whether any of the passengers were seriously hurt.
Cause of Crash Still Under Investigation
Investigators are continuing to examine what caused the Tesla to leave the roadway.
Police said they are considering several possibilities, including driver impairment, excessive speed, or a potential mechanical failure.
At this stage, officials emphasized there is no indication that the crash was intentional.
13-Year-Old Teen Dies After Scooter Collides With Truck During Attempt to Avoid Open Car Door
Simi Valley Police Sgt. Rick Morton said investigators are still gathering evidence.
“We don’t believe it was an intentional act but until we can determine what the cause was, whether it was mechanical failure or there was impairment by the driver, it’s still to be determined.”
He also noted that investigators are working to determine whether speed played any role in the crash.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to review physical evidence, witness statements, and the vehicle itself to determine exactly what happened.
The tragic incident has left the local community mourning the loss of a woman whose afternoon outing ended in an unexpected and devastating accident.
What are your thoughts on pedestrian safety in shopping center parking lots? Do you think additional safety measures could help prevent tragedies like this? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.