An 81-year-old woman required amputation of both legs after a vehicle struck her and her daughter while they were eating at a Los Angeles restaurant on July 7. The incident occurred at Los Cinco Puntos, a Mexican restaurant, around 3:20 p.m. as Cristina Vargas and her daughter, Gabriela Vargas, were having lunch with a friend.
Gabriela Vargas recounted that as they were saying grace, a car driven by an allegedly impaired woman sped down the road and crashed into their table. Surveillance footage captured the white SUV hitting the three individuals before coming to a halt against the restaurant wall. While Gabriela Vargas sustained a head injury and a knee laceration, her mother was pinned under the vehicle, resulting in severe injuries to her legs.
Cristina Vargas underwent three surgeries before doctors determined that amputation was necessary. Her daughter told CBS News that her mother screamed "My legs! My legs!" in Spanish immediately after the crash. According to Gabriela Vargas, the driver appeared unfazed and was reportedly asking for a cigarette lighter after exiting the vehicle. Police have not publicly identified the driver, who was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and faces multiple felony charges.
Cristina Vargas is currently in rehabilitation and undergoing physical therapy. The driver of the SUV, along with Cristina and Gabriela Vargas, were transported to the hospital following the collision. Both Gabriela Vargas and their male friend have since been released from the hospital. The GoFundMe page established for the family's medical expenses noted that Cristina Vargas, who previously enjoyed dancing, was particularly devastated by the loss of her legs.
Despite the traumatic event, the mother and daughter expressed their continued faith. Gabriela Vargas stated that she believes they were protected, emphasizing her mother's survival and her own ability to care for her. The family's fundraiser highlights Cristina's active community involvement and love for connecting with others, making the sudden life change particularly challenging.
