Market crash driver talks of 'broken heart'

The elderly man whose car smashed through a California outdoor market, killing 10 people, has made his first public comment, saying “my heart is broken over the extent of the tragedy”.

Russell Weller released the statement on the day two victims, a woman and her seven-month-old grandson, were buried. Hundreds sobbed and wailed as Molok Ghoulian Nabatian, 63, and Brendon Davidi Esfahani were buried at a memorial park in Mission Hills.

Some mourners expressed anger at 86-year-old Weller and said elderly people should have to take road tests to renew their licences.

“They should take his driver’s license away,” said Rami Zar, 37, of Beverly Hills. “People are angry about the whole thing. Innocent lives were just taken.”

Witnesses said Weller’s car sped down the length of the open-air Santa Monica Farmers Market on Wednesday, injuring dozens of people. The 10 dead were aged from seven months to 78.

The market reopened on Saturday, but at least 11 people remained in hospital, three in critical condition.

Weller released his statement through his pastor, the Rev Stephen Lien of Brentwood Presbyterian Church, where Weller and his wife have worshipped for more than 30 years.

“There are no words to express the feelings my family and I have for those who suffered loss and pain as a result of Wednesday’s devastating accident. I am so very distraught, and my heart is broken over the extent of the tragedy,” the brief statement said.

Police are investigating whether Weller may have hit a Mercedes before the disaster, then sped toward the market while leaving the scene of that collision.

Police have said Weller told them he did not realise until too late that Arizona Avenue was closed to traffic. They also said Weller believed he might have hit the accelerator instead of the brake as he tried to stop.

“After the accident, I called pastor Lien to ask for prayers that might help bring comfort and solace to all who have been touched by this horrible event,” Weller said in the statement. “I continue my own prayers for all those who are suffering and grieving during this very difficult time.”