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Waymo Robotaxi Involved in Early-Morning Crash in Pico-Union

Waymo released vehicle speed data to deny fault, which police have not confirmed, raising the prospect of closer review by regulators.

Overview

  • A two-vehicle collision on Venice Boulevard in Los AngelesPico-Union neighborhood involved a Waymo robotaxi and was reported at about 5:44 a.m. on Sunday.
  • First responders said multiple people were hurt, at least two were taken to hospitals, and one woman was listed in critical condition while others were treated at the scene.
  • Waymo told reporters its car was travelling about 27 mph when a blue sedan allegedly struck a pedestrian outside a crosswalk, swerved across lanes and hit the Waymo, and the company gave the sedan’s speed as about 47–50 mph.
  • The Los Angeles Police Department and Fire Department are investigating and have not publicly assigned fault or independently confirmed Waymo’s account.
  • The crash arrives as Waymo runs a large robotaxi service and follows a study finding 68% fewer police-reportable crashes per mile for its fleet, a context that makes this incident likely to increase public and regulatory scrutiny.