Los Angeles, California — A quiet lunch period turned into a scene of chaos in Granada Hills after a Tesla slammed into the front of a popular Persian restaurant, sending glass and debris flying across the dining area and prompting an emergency response from police and firefighters.
The crash occurred at Ali Baba Persian Restaurant, located at 17513 W. Chatsworth Street, where authorities say a white Tesla veered off course and crashed directly into the restaurant’s front windows.
Both the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to multiple calls reporting the incident.
Tesla jumps curb and smashes through restaurant frontage
Details surrounding how the crash happened remain limited, but aerial footage showed the Tesla mounted the sidewalk beneath the restaurant’s awning before smashing through several large glass windows.
Video captured from above by Sky5 showed the vehicle lodged against the building, with its front end heavily damaged. From the air, the extent of the destruction to the restaurant’s façade was clearly visible.
Footage shared on the Citizen app revealed the aftermath inside the restaurant, where shattered glass covered the dining room floor, window frames were twisted and bent, and debris was scattered across tables and walkways.
The impact sent glass flying throughout the dining area, leaving a wide path of destruction inside the restaurant.
No injuries reported so far
Officials said it remains unclear whether customers were inside the restaurant at the time of the crash or if any staff members narrowly avoided being struck.
Fire department officials confirmed that no injuries have been reported so far, though crews continued to assess the scene.
The lack of reported injuries comes as a relief, given the force of the impact and the amount of damage visible inside the dining space.
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Police investigate cause of crash
Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department remained on scene for several hours as investigators worked to determine what caused the Tesla to lose control.
Authorities have not yet said whether alcohol, drugs, or a medical emergency may have played a role in the crash. It is also unclear if the driver will face any citations or criminal charges.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and more information is expected once the driver is interviewed and evidence is reviewed.
Restaurant damage significant
While structural integrity details have not been released, the restaurant sustained extensive damage to its front-facing windows and interior, likely forcing it to temporarily close while repairs are made.
Employees were seen assessing the damage as investigators secured the area, with cleanup crews expected to follow once the scene is cleared.
Community shaken by sudden crash
The incident adds to growing concerns among residents and business owners about vehicle crashes involving storefronts, especially in busy commercial corridors.
“You never expect something like this to happen during lunch,” one nearby business owner said. “It’s scary how fast things can change.”
As police continue their investigation, officials urge drivers to remain cautious, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
Have you witnessed a similar crash in your neighborhood? Should more protections be placed around storefronts? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
