One dead, one in critical condition after suspected drunk driver slams into home in Watts
One person was killed and another is in critical condition after a vehicle crashed into a structure in Watts.
Paramedics were called at 4:27 a.m. to 9927 S. Wilmington Ave. where they found the victims of the crash, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart.
One of the occupants of the vehicle, a female, was pronounced dead at the scene.
She was identified as 38-year-old L.A. resident Jaycie Martinez.
The driver, who is suspected to have been driving impaired at the time of the incident, was also taken to a hospital for treatment, though he is expected to be arrested as soon as he is released.
Authorities believe that the vehicle was traveling at about 100 miles per hour down Wilmington Avenue - where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour.
A considerable amount of damage could be seen on the exterior of the home where the vehicle crashed.
CBS reporters spoke with one of the Jesus Nunez, one of the home's tenants who said that everyone inside the house was fine. He detailed the moments leading up to the crash.
"I heard a screech at first," he said. "Then you just heard the sudden impact and the whole house kind of shook."
Residents in the area explained that this isn't the first time that a vehicle has crashed into that specific house, but also several other homes on the street.
Venetta Davis, who had her own home crashed into a few months ago hopes that city officials will open their eyes.
"They come through here like it's crazy," she said, begging for a signal at the corner of Wilmington Avenue and Century Boulevard, "ASAP!"
Representatives were on hand throughout Saturday to check the structural integrity of the home and assess the natural gas situation to determine if the home was safe to further live in.
According to Los Angeles Fire Department officials, the vehicle missed the home's gas meter by no more than a foot.
