Eight members of Anaheim High School's track team were struck by a car that mounted the sidewalk during a training run on Dec. 10 near Harbor Boulevard and North Street. The Toyota Corolla hit the students as they waited at a traffic light; all eight, aged 16–17, were hospitalized and are expected to survive. Police are investigating a 27-year-old man on suspicion of DUI, and the driver was also taken to hospital. CCTV and OnScene.TV footage reportedly show the car veering before climbing the curb.
Eight Anaheim High School Runners Hospitalized After Car Mounts Sidewalk; Suspected DUI Under Investigation
ABC7The scene of the crash near the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and North Street in Anaheim on Wednesday, Dec. 10
Eight members of the Anaheim High School track and field team were injured when a car mounted a sidewalk and struck the group during a training run on Wednesday, Dec. 10, authorities and local outlets reported.
The collision occurred at about 3:00 p.m. near the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and North Street in Anaheim, California, according to CBS News, ABC7 and The Los Angeles Times. The vehicle involved has been identified as a Toyota Corolla.
Witnesses and video footage indicate the car ran up onto the curb and struck the students as they waited at a traffic signal during a training interval. The coach of the team, who was running behind the athletes, witnessed the incident and remained on scene.
"They were doing what they were supposed to do, wait, and they got hit by the car," Anaheim Police Department Sgt. Matt Sutter told CBS News.
All eight student-athletes, aged 16 to 17, were transported to hospitals for treatment. While their injuries vary in severity, officials told CBS News the students are expected to survive. The driver of the vehicle was also taken to a hospital; his current medical condition has not been publicly disclosed.
Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via GettyThe Anaheim Police Department vehicle
Police are investigating a 27-year-old man on suspicion of driving under the influence, The Los Angeles Times reported. No arrests had been announced at the time of reporting as the investigation continues.
Footage reviewed by The Los Angeles Times from OnScene.TV showed students on the ground with visible bleeding and the vehicle having struck a brick wall. The outlet also reported that CCTV footage captured the car veering to the right before climbing the curb.
People magazine reported it had contacted the Anaheim Police Department and Anaheim High School for comment. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash, including whether impairment played a role.
What Happens Next: Investigators will review CCTV and other available video, interview witnesses and the coach, and examine the driver's condition and any toxicology results as the probe proceeds.
