Toyota Lexus passenger's 911 call reveals details of tragedy

Posted at 02/28/2010 10:47 AM | Updated as of 03/04/2010 3:35 PM

The recordings of the 911 call made by one of the 4 passengers killed in the Toyota car crash 6 months ago in Santee, San Diego, California revealed details of the tragedy, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau reported.

The accident involving Filipino American Chris Lastrella, his sister Cleofe Saylor, her husband Mark and their daughter Mahala sparked a series of Toyota recalls and raised safety concerns.

Their final moments were captured in a 911 call as they lost control of the loaned Lexus hybrid vehicle. Their own car was sent to the dealer for servicing.

Chris made the frantic phone call to a 911 operator on that fateful day.

"We are passing...where are we passing? We’re going 120 (mph) Mission Gorge. We're in trouble. We can't...there's no brakes. End freeway half mile,” Chris’ voice was heard on the recording.

The operator then asked, “You don’t have the ability to turn the vehicle off or anything?”

Chris was then heard saying, “We’re approaching the intersection. We’re approaching the intersection. Hold on guys, pray, pray.”

Police say the vehicle crashed into another car before it burst into flames.

Earlier this week, Fe Lastrella, the mother of Chris and Cleofe appeared on Capitol Hill.

"He answered to the operator to hold on and pray, pray. That was very great of him...the courage that he had. I know that it was 4 of them we’re in the verge of their death bed and he was able to call 911 and I thank him for that,” Mrs. Lastrella said.

Toyota president Akio Toyoda was present when Lastrella testified. He did open his testimony that morning with an apology to the Saylor family.

He assured drivers and victims that they've tried to simulate accidents during their own investigations.

In a translated statement, Toyoda said “I instructed that every effort be made thoroughly to reproduce and duplicate the accident. And up until yesterday those duplication tests have been repeated and conducted. However, no malfunction or problems were identified based upon the test conducted internally within Toyota.”

A US Senate Committee will hold a hearing on Toyota safety issues on Tuesday. It is still unknown who will testify.

Meanwhile, the Lastrella family has put up a memorial fund in the memory of their loved ones killed in the tragic crash.

Balitang America reported that the money raised will go to cancer research—a cause dear to the late Cleofe Saylor’s heart.


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