One person was critically injured and another hospitalized following a two-car collision involving a Waymo autonomous vehicle in the Pico-Union area of Los Angeles early Sunday, July 26, 2026. Authorities responded to the scene at Venice Boulevard, where emergency crews treated multiple victims for pain.
Morning Collision on Venice Boulevard Leaves Multiple Injured
The incident occurred shortly before dawn, drawing dispatches from both the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers received the call about the crash shortly before 6 a.m. near the 1000 block of West Venice Boulevard, specifically reported at 5:44 a.m. in the 1000 block of Venice Boulevard, two blocks north of the 10 Freeway, according to an LAPD spokesperson. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, several people were critically injured after a vehicle and a Waymo were involved in a crash early Sunday, July 26, 2026. According to ABC7, the two-car collision was reported at 5:44 a.m. in the 1000 block of Venice Boulevard, situated two blocks north of the 10 Freeway in the Pico-Union district. News video from the scene showed the Waymo and a sedan in the middle of the street with serious body damage to each vehicle.
Conflicting Reports on Injuries and Initial 911 Calls
Account details provided by local authorities varied regarding the exact nature of the initial dispatch and patient conditions. Sunday to 1026 W. Venice Blvd., in the Pico-Union area, on an initial report of an auto-vs.-pedestrian crash, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The Los Angeles Police Department said police officers were dispatched to the scene at 5:45 a.m. for a two-vehicle crash, adding that a woman was critically injured. No further information was provided regarding the woman’s condition beyond these initial reports.
Patient transport totals also saw nuanced updates across local news agencies. Two ambulances arrived on scene to transport victims to local hospitals. It was not immediately clear how many people were injured or what caused the crash, and whether a pedestrian was among the victims was not immediately confirmed.
Waymo Response and Ongoing Investigation
The scene was clear about an hour later at 7 a.m. and no streets were closed, according to NBC Los Angeles. Investigators have not yet determined the official cause of the crash, and the cause of the crash is under investigation.
“The safety of our riders and other road users is our top priority. We are coordinating with first responders and are grateful for their quick response.”
Waymo spokesperson, via ABC7 and NBC Los Angeles
Waymo released a statement saying they are coordinating with first responders. The investigation is ongoing.
