A tragic incident unfolded in Anaheim, California on Wednesday afternoon when a suspected drunk driver plowed into a group of high school athletes during their routine training run. The collision resulted in injuries to eight members of the Anaheim High School track and field team, leaving the school community and parents in a state of shock and disbelief.
The students, who were waiting near a crosswalk on a busy Anaheim street, were suddenly hit by a car that swerved onto the sidewalk. The vehicle, an orange Toyota Corolla, was driven by 27-year-old Anthony Alva-Palafox. According to the Anaheim Police Department, Alva-Palafox exhibited clear signs of intoxication at the scene of the accident.
Seven of the students and Alva-Palafox were rushed to the hospital for treatment of various injuries. Traffic camera footage obtained by local media showed the car moving through a green light before veering onto the crosswalk and striking the students. The car continued its path of destruction, colliding with a low brick wall which crumbled under the force of the impact.
The track and field team, comprised of boys and girls aged 16 and 17, were accompanied by their adult coach at the time of the incident. The coach, who was not injured, was a witness to the horrifying event.
Alva-Palafox was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of both alcohol and drugs. The police are currently awaiting a search warrant for his impounded vehicle.
California Representative Lou Correa provided an update on the condition of the students, stating that they all appear to be recovering. However, one student is still awaiting the results of additional medical tests. Correa expressed his sympathy for the affected families, stating, “Our prayers are with the families.”
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the devastating impact it can have on innocent lives.