Boyle Heights car crash leaves 81-year-old woman with bilateral amputations

An 81-year-old woman, Cristina Vargas, is undergoing a difficult recovery after losing both legs in a vehicle collision in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. The incident occurred on July 7 during a lunch outing with her daughter, Gabriela Vargas, at Los Cinco Puntos Mexican Deli.

Surveillance footage indicates that a vehicle mounted the curb and entered the outdoor dining area shortly after 3 p.m., striking the victims. Cristina Vargas suffered devastating injuries that necessitated bilateral amputations, while Gabriela Vargas sustained a head injury and a leg injury that continues to impact her mobility.

Gabriela Vargas described the moment the vehicle approached, stating, “All of a sudden I just remember seeing headlights and a car coming towards us and it just pinned my mom underneath the car.” The driver is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.