The recordings of the 911 call made by one of the four passengers killed in the Toyota car crash six 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 inquiry. “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 ... four of them we're in the verge of their death bed and he was able to call 911 and I thank him for that,” Lastrella told the inquiry panel.. 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. – ABS
