Koreatown crash: 1 dead, Mercedes Maybach driver detained

Early Friday, April 10, 2025, a violent two-car collision in Koreatown claimed the life of a woman in her 30s, with the driver of a Mercedes Maybach SUV taken into custody by Los Angeles police.

The crash occurred around 12:30 a.m. at the intersection of 8th Street and Ardmore Avenue. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the Maybach was traveling southbound on Ardmore when it struck a westbound vehicle on 8th Street. The impact sent the second car spinning out of control before it crashed into a utility pole. The driver, a woman whose identity has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene.

After the initial collision, the Maybach continued off the roadway, careening into a streetlight and multiple parked cars before coming to a stop on the sidewalk. The crash also sheared off a fire hydrant, sending water gushing several feet into the air and flooding the surrounding area. Emergency crews were forced to shut off the water main to contain the geyser.

Police at the scene confirmed that the driver of the Mercedes Maybach—also a woman—was detained and is believed to be responsible for the deadly chain of events. No charges have been filed as of Friday morning, and authorities did not disclose whether she had been formally arrested. Video footage from the scene showed a second woman being loaded into an ambulance, but police have not confirmed if she was the driver of the other vehicle or a passenger.

Investigation and new developments

The LAPD’s Central Traffic Division is leading the investigation, which remains active. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses along 8th Street and Ardmore Avenue to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the crash. A police spokesperson said toxicology test results for both drivers are pending, and the results could play a key role in determining whether criminal charges are filed.

“We are looking at speed, impairment, and any possible mechanical failure as contributing factors,” said Officer Mark Hernandez, a spokesperson for the LAPD. “The driver of the Maybach has been cooperative with investigators, but we are still gathering evidence.”

The name of the deceased woman has not been released pending notification of her family. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.

Community impact and safety concerns

The crash has rattled residents in the normally quiet Koreatown neighborhood. The intersection of 8th Street and Ardmore Avenue remained closed for several hours as crews cleared debris, repaired the damaged streetlight, and replaced the fire hydrant. Local businesses reported water damage to storefronts near the sidewalk where the Maybach came to rest.

Neighbors said they heard a loud bang followed by the sound of screeching metal. “It sounded like a bomb went off,” said Maria Lopez, who lives two blocks away. “I came outside and saw a car wrapped around a pole and water shooting everywhere. It was terrifying.”

Koreatown has seen a rise in traffic collisions in recent years, according to city data. Councilmember Heather Hutt, whose district includes the area, called for an immediate traffic safety review. “We cannot tolerate another preventable death on our streets,” Hutt said in a statement. “We are working with the LAPD and the Department of Transportation to identify dangerous intersections and implement safety measures.”

What happens next

The driver of the Mercedes Maybach remains in custody, though it is unclear whether she will be formally charged with vehicular manslaughter or other offenses. The LAPD has not released her name or age. A court appearance is expected within 48 hours, but police say the timeline could shift depending on the investigation’s progress.

Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the LAPD’s Central Traffic Division at (213) 833-3713. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.