Los Angeles, CA (April 8, 2025) – Four people, including three young girls, were hospitalized Monday night after a terrifying crash sent their vehicle plummeting approximately 120 feet down an embankment in the Sylmar neighborhood of Los Angeles.
According to the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD), the incident occurred around 9:11 p.m. in the 12000 block of North Harding Street, near the El Cariso Golf Course and Lopez Canyon Sylmar Hiking Trail. Officials stated that the car veered off the road under “unknown circumstances” before careening down a steep hillside.
Despite the dramatic fall, all four occupants—a 44-year-old woman and three girls aged 12, 7, and 3—were able to exit the vehicle on their own. Paramedics treated the group at the scene and transported them to a nearby hospital in fair condition with what were described as minor injuries.
Emergency personnel remained at the scene to assist with vehicle recovery from the base of the embankment. Authorities have not yet released information on what may have caused the vehicle to leave the roadway.
Our thoughts are with the woman and children involved, and we wish them a complete and swift recovery.
Cliffside Crashes in the Sylmar Hills
The Sylmar area, located in the northernmost part of Los Angeles, is known for its winding roads, steep inclines, and proximity to hiking and recreational trails. Roads like North Harding Street, which border natural areas, can be particularly hazardous—especially at night or in low-visibility conditions.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, roadway departures, particularly those involving steep grades or drop-offs, often result in serious injuries or fatalities. In this incident, it’s considered miraculous that the occupants survived with only minor injuries.
Contributing factors in similar crashes may include excessive speed, mechanical failure, roadway surface conditions, or driver distraction. Investigators will review those possibilities as they assess the cause of this crash.
Drivers are reminded to use extra caution when traveling along hillside or canyon roads, especially when traveling with children or unfamiliar with the terrain.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a serious crash, contact Local Accident Reports for compassionate support and assistance.