An 81-year-old mother was left critically injured and later had both legs amputated after an SUV crashed into the restaurant where she was eating.
Cristina Vargas was seated outside Los Cinco Puntos in Boyle Heights with her daughter, Gabriela, and a male friend on July 7 when the vehicle suddenly came speeding toward the outdoor dining area.
Surveillance video shows the driver, who was allegedly under the influence, heading in the direction of the patio before abruptly swerving onto the sidewalk.
The chilling footage captures the SUV as it barrels straight into the table where the three victims had been eating.
Moments before impact, the sound of screeching tires can be heard, followed by the violent crash that sent the table and debris scattering through the air.
Gabriela described the terrifying seconds before the collision to KTLA: “I remember I just heard screeching and I was lifting up my head and I just saw headlights and a bumper and I heard a big boom.”
She said everything happened so quickly that she barely had time to react. “The next thing I knew, I was airborne.” Cristina Vargas became trapped beneath the SUV after the devastating crash.
Gabriela sustained a head injury and a deep cut to her knee, while the male friend dining with them was also hurt. All three were taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
But Cristina’s injuries were far more devastating. After undergoing three surgeries, the beloved mom ultimately had both of her legs amputated as a result of the crash.
RELATED: Trump Drops Plans to Attend 25th Anniversary 9/11 Ceremony at Ground Zero
Police determined the driver was allegedly impaired when the crash occurred. The female suspect was arrested and charged with multiple felonies.
While Gabriela and the injured male diner have recovered, Vargas faces a long and painful recovery.
The 81-year-old has been undergoing physical rehabilitation at a recovery center and is preparing to return home to her family.
Despite having both legs amputated, Vargas has remained determined to keep moving forward.
A GoFundMe set up for the family describes Cristina as a vibrant and social woman who loved dancing and regularly attended events at a senior center.
The fundraiser says the sudden loss of her mobility has left Cristina facing enormous medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and the need to make her home accessible for her new disability.
The campaign had set a $50,000 goal and had raised roughly $27,000 as of Sunday morning. An Aug. 17 update from the family thanked supporters and said the recovery was progressing slowly.
“Thank you everybody for your love and support. We greatly appreciate it. It’s a slow recovery but day by day we’re getting through it.”
The update added that Cristina’s spirits remained hopeful despite the pain. “Recovery is very painful but she’s giving it her all.”
