San Fernando Valley man is crushed to death by car

A 70-year-old man was crushed to death Friday when the vehicle he was working underneath slipped off its jacks in the North Hills area of the San Fernando Valley, authorities said.

The accident was reported at 3:15 p.m. in the 8800 block of Hayvenhurst Avenue, said Devin Gales of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

A family member found the man, who was working on the car by himself, Gales said. His identity was not immediately available.

Fire officials said the surface where the man was working had a slight slope.

Gales said home mechanics should make sure they have proper-sized jacks and that each corner of the car is secure before sliding underneath a vehicle. He also said to always have someone else with you in case something goes wrong.

-- Catherine Saillant