An 81-year-old woman had both legs amputated after an allegedly drink-driving motorist crashed into the restaurant table where she was having lunch with her daughter in Los Angeles. Cristina Vargas was pinned beneath the vehicle when it ploughed into their table at Los Cinco Puntos on 7 July, leaving her legs so severely injured that doctors were unable to save them despite three operations. The case has drawn attention both for the shocking nature of the crash, captured on surveillance footage, and for the driver's reported indifference immediately afterwards.

Vargas and her daughter, Gabriela, were saying grace with a friend at around 3.20pm when a car sped down the road and smashed through the wall of the restaurant, striking their table. Gabriela suffered a head injury and a deep knee laceration, while their friend was also hurt, though Cristina's injuries were the most severe. The driver, whose identity has not been released, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and reportedly faces several felony charges; she is said to have appeared unconcerned at the scene, asking only for a cigarette lighter. Cristina remains in physical therapy, and her family has set up a fundraiser to help with medical costs.