On Tuesday, January 30, 2001, at approximately 7:00 p.m., a 1989 Toyota Camry travelling westbound on the service roadway in the 2100 block of K Street, NW struck several parked cars. At the intersection of 21st and K Streets, the vehicle mounted the curb at the northwest corner, continued westbound on the sidewalk, and struck a wrought iron tree box frame. The auto continued travelling on the sidewalk and struck a pedestrian.

The pedestrian was carried on the hood and windshield of the Toyota for some distance until it struck a tree. The pedestrian was then propelled to the ground. The vehicle operator and the pedestrian were transported by ambulance to George Washington University Hospital . The driver, who has been identified as 25-year-old Grace L. Chen of Forest Hills, New York, was treated and released. The pedestrian, who has been identified as 41-year-old Mariella Patricia Carrera of Northwest Washington, D.C., was admitted in critical condition for treatment of massive head injuries.

The accident is currently under investigation by members of the Metropolitan Police Department's Major Crash Investigations Unit.