Eight members of the Anaheim High School track team were injured when a car veered off the road and struck them during a practice run on Wednesday. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. near the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and North Street in Anaheim. The students, aged 16 and 17, were waiting at a traffic light when the vehicle hit them.
The driver, identified as 27-year-old Anthony Alva-Palafox, was traveling south on Harbor Boulevard when he lost control and drove onto the sidewalk. Police suspect Alva-Palafox was under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and he was arrested on suspicion of DUI. He was also taken to the hospital for injuries sustained in the crash.
According to People, three of the students were immediately transported to the hospital with varying degrees of injuries. Four others were taken later as a precaution. Fortunately, none of the injuries are life-threatening. The students were accompanied by an adult coach at the time of the accident, who witnessed the crash.
The Anaheim Police Department is investigating the crash, with Alva-Palafox’s car impounded for further examination. Authorities are awaiting blood analysis to confirm the level of intoxication and the type of drugs involved.
The incident has sparked concern among the community, with local officials and school representatives expressing their support for the affected families. The Anaheim Union High School District stated that their “thoughts and prayers are with our students and their families during this time.”
The crash serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of safety measures for student athletes during practice runs. The intersection where the accident occurred was closed for investigation, and school resource officers were present at the scene.
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