Minivan driver disregarded red light on Terra Bella Street
December 12, 2025 | Panorama City, CA
Three individuals lost their lives, and one suffered critical injuries in a severe multi-vehicle collision in Panorama City on Dec. 12.
The Los Angeles Police Department reported the early morning incident near Terra Bella Street.
Heybi Herrera-Bautista, 25, died in a multi-vehicle crash when a fleeing Plymouth minivan struck a Ford Mustang on North Woodman Avenue near Terra Bella Street in Panorama City.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities detailed that a driver in an older Plymouth minivan, evading an earlier unrelated accident, sped westbound on Terra Bella Street around 3 a.m. Ignoring a red light at the intersection with North Woodman Avenue, the minivan collided forcefully with a Ford Mustang and a Honda Civic.
- Date and Time: Dec. 12, 2025, approximately 3 a.m.
- Location: North Woodman Avenue near Terra Bella Street, Panorama City, CA
- Vehicles Involved: Plymouth minivan, Ford Mustang, Honda Civic
- Fatalities: Heybi Herrera-Bautista, 25, and another occupant of the Mustang, and the 24-year-old male minivan driver
- Injuries: One person is in critical condition, likely from the Civic
- Contributing Factors: Fleeing from a prior crash, and unknown if impairment played a role
The crash resulted in immediate tragedy, with emergency responders unable to save the three victims on site.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Roadway incidents like this often stem from reckless decisions behind the wheel. Speeding through controlled intersections while evading authorities heightens risks dramatically.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), unsafe driving behaviors contribute to most fatal crashes nationwide.
Common Causes of Fatal Crashes |
Percentage (NHTSA Data) |
Description |
|---|
Speeding |
29% |
Exceeding limits or driving too fast for conditions |
Impaired Driving |
25% |
Alcohol or drugs affecting judgment |
Distracted Driving |
8% |
Phone use or other diversions |
Red Light Violations |
20% (intersection-related) |
Failure to stop at signals |
Source: NHTSA, First Quarter 2025 Report – 8,055 lives lost in motor vehicle collisions.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, thorough examinations beyond initial police reports can uncover critical evidence. National legal analysts emphasize the value of independent reviews.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal.
- Preserve evidence promptly to support claims.
- Families may pursue compensation for losses including companionship and emotional distress.
- Time-sensitive actions ensure comprehensive investigations.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
Ongoing Investigation and Contact Information
The LAPD Valley Traffic Division continues to investigate the crash's circumstances. Whether substances were involved remains unclear.
Individuals with details are encouraged to reach Officer Takishita at 818-644-8116.
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(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).