Eight student track athletes from Anaheim High School were rushed to the hospital on Wednesday after being struck by a car while waiting at a traffic light.
One student remains in critical condition, authorities confirmed.
Driver Under Investigation for Possible DUI
The driver, a 27-year-old man, is currently under investigation for driving under the influence.
No arrests have been made as of Wednesday night.
Police are still piecing together the events that led to the frightening accident.
Coach Witnessed the Horror Unfold in Seconds
The students, aged 16 to 17, were practicing near the intersection of Harbor and North Street.
Their coach was following closely behind on a bicycle when the red Toyota sedan suddenly swerved onto the sidewalk where the students were waiting.
Matt Suter, a spokesperson for the Anaheim Police Department, described the scene: “They were on the sidewalk, waiting for the light to change so they could continue their run.
We’re still interviewing witnesses to understand exactly what happened.
The injuries vary, but thankfully, we’re not expecting fatalities at this time.
The coach saw it all happen right in front of him, which is incredibly traumatic.”
Devastating Scene Caught on Camera
Images from the intersection show the car badly damaged, with debris scattered across the sidewalk and roadway.
Video footage captured students being attended to, including one in a neck brace and another with a bleeding arm.
Brian Saylors, an accountant working nearby, witnessed the accident and inadvertently recorded it on his office security camera.
“The traffic was normal, moving back and forth,” he explained.
“Then the car turned sharply and went straight into the corner where the kids were waiting.
It didn’t slow down at all—it was horrifying to see.”
Anaheim Officials Focus on Care for Victims
Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitkin addressed the incident, emphasizing that the priority is the health and safety of the students.
“We are still trying to make sense of what happened,” she said.
“Our immediate focus is making sure everyone injured is receiving the best medical care possible.”
Investigation Continues
Authorities are actively interviewing witnesses and reviewing footage to determine the cause of the crash.
Meanwhile, the community is rallying around the students and their families, offering support in the wake of the shocking accident.
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