Three Critically Injured After Car Hits Store in Poway, CA

Poway, CA (September 8, 2026) – Three people were critically injured Sunday evening after a car crashed into a grocery store in Poway. The crash happened around 4:30 p.m. at North Park Produce. A silver BMW entered the store, injuring three people, according to the Poway Fire Department. The three people were taken to local hospitals with life-threatening injuries and were later reported to be in stable condition. Employees and customers were evacuated from the store. Fire personnel and deputies remained at the site while the BMW was removed and the building was checked for safety and possible electrical issues. The driver remained at the site and cooperated with deputies. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation. Drugs and alcohol are not believed to have been factors. We hope those injured make a full recovery. What to Know About Vehicle-Into-Building Crashes Vehicles can enter commercial buildings when drivers lose control, experience a medical emergency, mistakenly press the accelerator, or encounter another roadway hazard. The resulting injuries can affect people inside the building as well as those in the vehicle. Businesses often use protective measures such as reinforced barriers, bollards, wheel stops, and strategically placed landscaping near entrances. These features can help prevent or limit a vehicle from reaching areas where customers and employees gather. After a vehicle enters a building, staff may need to check the structure for damage to walls, electrical systems, plumbing, and other components. People inside should follow evacuation instructions and avoid returning until the building has been determined to be safe.