Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Video Of Michael Hastings Car Crash, Neighbors Trying To Douse Flames
A neighbor who was among those first on the scene of Michael Hastings' fatal accident lamented he was unable to save him from the fiery crash.
Shaul Raigorodsky confirmed to LAist he was among those—seen in news videos —who tried to extinguish the terrible flames with his garden hose, to no avail.
Raigorodsky and his wife Mila were asleep when they heard "a very loud crash." Mila says that there was "a boom and then a flash. The flash was so bright, it lit up the room," even though their bedroom curtains were drawn.
Shaul says he put on his pants and ran down to the scene to try to put out the fire. "It exploded on impact," he concluded. The fire were so intense, he couldn't even see if anyone was in the car, but he tried to douse the flames anyway.
Support for LAist comes from
"It was completely engulfed," said his wife. He estimated that the fire department arrived between 5 and 7 minutes after the crash. They'd both viewed the video of what was likely Hastings' car speeding through the nearby intersection at Santa Monica Boulevard and Highland. Shaul said he thought the car was "going at least 100 mph." They said their street often has late-night crashes, mostly DUIs, but this was the first time they were so affected by an accident.
Related:
Coroner Confirms Michael Hastings Died In Fiery Hollywood Crash
Journalist Michael Hastings Dies In Car Accident In L.A.
Driver Dies In Fiery, Early Morning Crash In Hollywood
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance. -
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
Best of LAist