On Wednesday night near Shaw and Van Ness, an unexpected incident occurred when an SUV collided with the back of a building. The accident took place just after 5:30 pm, specifically impacting the storage area of Pardini’s Catering. Fresno police reported that the collision was caused by an elderly driver who mistakenly accelerated instead of braking.
Impact on Business and Individuals
Fortunately, the driver involved in the crash was unharmed, but the accident did result in minor injuries to one employee at the catering business. Despite these injuries, the employee chose not to seek hospital treatment. The incident primarily caused structural damage to the storage area, disrupting the business operations of Pardini’s Catering but thankfully avoiding more serious injuries or fatalities.
A 24-year-old pedestrian is in critical condition following a collision with an SUV in central Las Vegas on late Wednesday morning. The accident took place around 11:05 a.m. on West Owens Avenue near Stoker Street, just east of Interstate 15. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the pedestrian was struck while crossing the street.
Details of the Collision
Witnesses and evidence at the scene indicated that a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban was traveling eastbound on Owens in the left-most lane as it approached Stoker Avenue. Meanwhile, a Regional Transportation Commission Para-Transit bus had stopped in the right-most lane to allow the pedestrian to cross. Despite attempting to evade, the driver of the Chevrolet failed to yield, resulting in the pedestrian being hit while in the crosswalk.
Immediate Aftermath and Response
The pedestrian, who remains unidentified, was quickly transported to University Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Chevrolet remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities, showing no signs of impairment. This tragic incident underscores the importance of vigilance and adherence to traffic laws to ensure pedestrian safety.
A tragic accident near Round Rock today resulted in an Amtrak train colliding with an SUV, leaving one person dead. The collision occurred just before the late morning rush, leading to a significant shutdown of the I-35 frontage roads. Round Rock Police are currently investigating the scene to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigation and Traffic Impact
The crash happened along I-35 and McNeil Road, creating a major disruption in local transportation. Amtrak has not released specific details about the incident as the investigation is ongoing, but delays are expected. Local police have been directing drivers to avoid the area and find alternate routes to ease the post-accident traffic congestion.
Official Response and Ongoing Probe
The Round Rock Police Department received a call about the fatal crash around 11 a.m., but they have not confirmed if there were any additional injuries or casualties. As authorities continue to investigate, they are urging the public to stay clear of the affected roads to facilitate a smoother probe and traffic management. The community awaits further updates as officials work to uncover the details of this devastating event.
FAW-Volkswagen Automobile Co., Ltd. has revealed plans to invest over 2.3 billion yuan (approximately 324 million USD) to begin the production of three new SUV models at its Tianjin facility in northern China. This significant investment was cemented with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area management committee and FAW-Volkswagen, a joint venture between China FAW Group Co., Ltd. and the German automaker Volkswagen. The production is set to start in 2026, emphasizing the company’s strategic focus on expanding its electric vehicle lineup.
Focus on New Energy Vehicles and Premium Branding
Out of the three SUV models, two will be classified as new energy vehicles, highlighting FAW-Volkswagen’s commitment to innovation and sustainable transportation solutions. These models will feature the prestigious Audi and Volkswagen brands, ensuring they meet high standards of quality and appeal to discerning consumers. This move aligns with the broader industry trend towards sustainability and positions FAW-Volkswagen as a key player in the future of electric and intelligent connected vehicles.
Impact on Tianjin’s Automotive Industry
The introduction of these SUV models is expected to significantly boost Tianjin’s automotive industry, particularly in the areas of new energy and intelligent connected vehicles. According to Hong Shicong, director of the management committee for the development area, this initiative will drive high-quality advancement in the region’s automotive sector. By positioning Tianjin as a hub for automotive innovation and sustainability, FAW-Volkswagen’s investment is set to contribute substantially to the future growth and development of the local economy.
VAUXHALL has ditched plans to go fully electric in 2028 – promising to do “what is right for the British public”.
Every model from Corsa supermini to jumbo Movano van will have a battery-powered version by the end of this year.
Vauxhall design chief Mark Adams talks about the new Frontera and the decision to ditch the plan to go fully electric by 2028
It has the footprint of an Astra hatchback but the interior space of an Astra wagon
Mark Adams says: ‘The Frontera, back in the Nineties, was a pioneer for the compact SUV that we know today. So it was the natural fit for this car which is in the heart of the SUV market
So everyone has the choice.
But the decision to continue making 27810688 and diesel vans beyond 2028 will please millions of loyal owners who can’t make an EV work for them.
Right up to 2035, then? We think so.
Here’s Vauxhall design chief Mark Adams on the rethink.
He said: “We’re not going to turn our back on the British customer.
“We want to give them what they need and what they want, as long as they need. We are part of a big group that enables us to do that.
“Who can predict what’s going to happen tomorrow? Governments change. Pledges change.
We can do what’s right for our customers. We are well positioned and we have a great portfolio.
“But we’ve got everything we need to meet all of the milestones ahead of us. We’ve got the toolbox we need now. We’ve got the future toolbox of where we need to land. And we are weaving in the right things that help us bridge that transition period.
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“We have hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric. To now be fixed and say, ‘We’re going to do this’, I don’t think we need to, quite frankly, because we’ve got everything.
“We can do what’s right for our customers. We are well positioned and we have a great portfolio.”
Vauxhall launch UK’s cheapest EV & it comes with a year’s free charging at major supermarket
Which brings us nicely to the Frontera, pictured, Mark’s new baby.
It’ll come in two power types, £21k petrol hybrid and £25k pure electric. The petrol will have a seven-seat option. The electric won’t.
Now read our quickfire Q&A on the chunky family SUV.
Q&A Vauxhall design chief Mark Adams
FRONTERA is a famous old Vauxhall name. How did you settle on that for this new car?
The Frontera, back in the Nineties, was a pioneer for the compact SUV that we know today. So it was the natural fit for this car which is in the heart of the SUV market.
Size-wise, it sits between Mokka and the new, larger Grandland. Is that deliberate?
Yes. Exactly. Right in the heart of the market. It has the footprint of an Astra hatchback but the interior space of an Astra wagon. So really great packaging in this vehicle.
You look Peter Crouch-size to me?
6ft 4in and a half.
Can you fit in the back?
Yeah, of course. When the driver’s seat is set up for a normal person, I’ve still got seven to eight centimetres of leg room and the same above my head. So lots of interior space, ideal for a young family or just going out with friends.
It has all the tech you’d expect in a modern car but tell us about some of the smart everyday stuff as well?
We’ve got two 10in screens but a great balance of hard switches you can get to straight away. There’s a groove in the front seats, a bit like a high-quality bicycle seat with separate cushions, to give comfort on long journeys.
To stop your bum going numb?
Exactly. There’s lots of really nice materials that uplift the interior – and lots of little details like the flexible cup holder strap and rear seat pockets for iPhones. Just simple features people will really value.
I know you won’t say it replaces Crossland but it does the job of Crossland in terms of practicality, right? And it looks great.
We think it does much more because it offers not just physical space but more presence. The front is much more upright with a proud, confident look and a great stance.
Frontera will be with us early 2025. It should do well.
The interior has two 10in screens but also plenty of hard switches drivers can get to straight away
Half of the Vienna Township Hall is now closed after an SUV crashed into the building.
The vehicle crossed a busy Vienna Road, colliding with a tree, before becoming lodged inside the wall of the township offices. Two people were in the car at the time and taken to the hospital.
“There was quite a bit of cutting involved, I mean, in order to get it out,” said Township Supervisor Joseph A. Rizk. “It was lodged in a room. The firefighters had to use all their skills to do it. Thank god they are trained very well in our area.”
Rizk says only the bumper of the SUV was outside the building, causing extensive damage inside.
“The inside would be very insecure from a structural standpoint until those foundation walls are completely re-done,” said Rizk.
Rizk is waiting on an insurance adjustor to assess the damage. He estimates it would cost over half a million to fix, but believes it will be covered by insurance.
“Right now we are very confident that the insurance company will be covering this fully,” said Rizk. “There might be a slight deductible. It’s not something to be concerned about.”
There is also the issue of time. Rizk says the hole in the wall will take several months to fix.
In the meantime, they will have to share offices to accommodate the departments displaced by the crash.
“We do have the corridors blocked off,” said Rizk. “So, there’s no danger to either the occupants, our workers, and or the constituents that come in to receive any services they need.”
“There will be no interruption to services while the east side of the building is closed. All of those offices have been moved to the west wing of the township hall.
A 71-year-old woman from Lincolnwood accidentally drove her SUV into the front facade of a Fannie May candy store on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2 p.m., but fortunately, neither the driver nor the store’s only employee sustained any injuries. Lincolnwood Fire Chief Barry Liss confirmed that paramedic assistance was not required for either party.
Investigation and Building Assessment
Lincolnwood Deputy Police Chief Travis Raypole reported that there was no sign of driver impairment. A witness observed the driver as she entered the parking lot and mentioned that she was unsure whether she hit the gas or the brake. Following the crash, fire crews assessed the building for any hazardous utility disruptions and evaluated the structural integrity.
Repair and Recovery Efforts
By Wednesday, a blue covering had been placed over part of the damaged facade after the SUV was removed. A building department employee was scheduled to discuss the necessary repairs with the building owner to restore the structure. The quick response and thorough investigation ensured that safety was maintained and steps toward recovery were promptly initiated.
Pennsylvania drivers are about to get a nasty wake up call when they use their phones behind the wheel.
Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic among motorists. For some drivers, catching up on the latest TikTok video, text, or mobile game is more important than paying attention to the road. To combat its safety concerns, the State of Pennsylvania is banning all handling of cell phones. And the Keystone State isn’t the only one.
Pennsylvania is the latest state banning cell phones while driving, and other states may follow
Anytime a driver prioritizes their smartphone screen over the road in front of them, they’re putting themselves and others at risk. After all, a 4,000-lb SUV is a weapon in the wrong hands. To lessen the tide of injuries, deaths, and property damage caused by cell phone use behind the wheel, many states have a zero-tolerance policy regarding texting and driving. And Pennsylvania is the latest state to join the safety initiative.
According to WJAC 6, the State of Pennsylvania is banning cell phone use while driving. The verbiage covers “handling a cell phone,” meaning motorists should still be able to use hands-free technology or integrated infotainment systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to place calls or use voice commands.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s staff confirmed that he would sign the bill soon. Moreover, the news comes 18 years after Governor Shapiro proposed similar legislation. The law will take effect one year from its signing.
A distracted driver | perfectlab via iStock
Of course, Pennsylvania is far from the only state to impose such a measure. 28 states have some sort of ban on handling a cell phone while driving, from fielding a call with one hand to drafting text messages.
It’s a good idea, too. According to the Insurance Journal, distracted driving accounted for a greater number of crashes than alcohol use and tailgating. As such, distracting driving and dangerous cell phone use while driving are easy targets for lawmakers. It’s a tragedy that we need laws governing common sense.
A routine patrol by the Umatilla Police Department led to the arrest of a Guatemalan teenager after officers discovered a dead deer in his SUV along with a stolen firearm. Melvin Ruvein Lopez, 18, was stopped around 3 a.m. Saturday after an officer noticed his silver SUV leaving a Circle K without stopping. The vehicle was pulled over at Turtle Run and State Road 19, where the officer observed the suspicious circumstances.
Arrest and Charges
Upon questioning, it was revealed that Lopez did not have a valid driver’s license, nor did the four other occupants in the vehicle. Through the use of Google Translate, officers learned Lopez’s identity and confirmed he only possessed an ID card. Further inspection of the vehicle revealed a bloodied deer in the back, and a 9mm pistol, later identified as stolen from Jacksonville, was found in the center console. Lopez admitted to shooting the deer, using his vehicle’s headlights to aid in the hunt, about 20 miles north of the traffic stop location.
Legal Proceedings
Lopez was charged with grand theft of a firearm, driving without a valid license, and illegal possession and hunting of a deer out of season using a firearm and light. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) officer who responded read Lopez his rights in Spanish, to which Lopez agreed to speak. Lopez was subsequently taken to Lake County Jail and released after posting a $5,500 bond. The incident highlights the importance of routine patrols in uncovering illegal activities and ensuring community safety.
As Americans, we lead a pretty privileged life. There’s really not a whole lot we can legitimately complain about without getting eye-rolls from many other corners of the world. But there are some aspects of being an American that are undoubtedly annoying. Depending on how into 4x4s you are, the fact that the Suzuki Jimny SUV is not available to U.S. consumers may rank at the top of the list.
The Jimny — a quirky yet endearing diminutive off-roader — left the U.S. market with the rest of Suzuki’s automotive lineup back in 2012, and its continued inaccessibility is a sore spot among a certain sect of car enthusiasts. Now, as if to taunt us further, Suzuki has launched what might just be the coolest and most desirable Jimny variant I’ve ever seen in the new Jimny XL Heritage.
Suzuki Jimny XL Heritage
Retro Cars Down Under
The new vehicle is a retro version of the Jimny XL, which itself is a bigger version of the standard Jimny that has a longer wheelbase and five doors instead of three. The special edition is called “Heritage” because of its old-school aesthetics inspired by the Jimnys of the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, including orange-and-red striped decals, red mudflaps and a Heritage cargo tray.
Outside of the stylistic changes, it’s the same Jimny XL, which means you’re getting Suzuki’s ALLGRIP PRO 4×4 system, a 9″ touchscreen infotainment center with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 1.5L I4 engine tied to a five-speed manual transmission. (Unlike on the standard Jimny XL, there’s no automatic option on the Heritage.)
