NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – In another sign of the deteriorating conditions on California's streets, a U-Haul truck loaded with moving pods was caught on video dragging a massive tree branch down a busy North Hollywood street Tuesday morning, plowing through and damaging as many as 15 to 20 parked cars.
The incident unfolded around 10:30 a.m. on La Maida Street near Lankershim Boulevard, close to popular spots like Starbucks and Raising Cane’s.
Video posted to social media shows the commercial-style truck continuing eastbound with the enormous branch lodged between the cab and trailer, smashing into vehicles along the way and leaving a trail of shattered glass, dents, and what witnesses described as totaled cars in its wake.
Horrified bystanders filmed the destruction from multiple angles, with one audibly reacting in disbelief, referring to the driver as a "lady" and questioning how she could be unaware of the havoc unfolding behind her."This is unbelievable," one witness remarked in the circulating footage. The truck reportedly struck low-hanging branches from a roadside tree, which then became entangled and dragged for blocks.
According to reports, the female driver remained on the scene afterward, appearing "defeated" as she took photos and made calls. No serious injuries were reported, and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed officers responded, though residents complained about the response time. As of midday, police had not yet arrived when some witnesses first posted about the damage.
U-Haul has not yet issued a public statement on the incident, but liability questions are already swirling. Vehicle owners whose cars were damaged, ranging from everyday sedans to what appeared to be newer models, are likely facing significant repair bills or total losses, with many wondering if their insurance will cover the chaos caused by what appears to be gross negligence.
