High school track team mowed down during training run when suspected drunk driver careens onto sidewalk
A group of Anaheim High School track athletes were struck in the middle of a practice on a sunny afternoon in California. Eight runners—six girls and two boys, all 16 to 17 years old—were waiting near a crosswalk on a busy street when an orange Toyota Corolla swerved onto the sidewalk and slammed into them. The driver, 27‑year‑old Anthony Alva‑Palafox, was later reported by police to have “displayed objective signs of intoxication.” All eight students were rushed to the hospital with varying injuries, while their coach arrived on the scene unharmed.
Video footage from a traffic camera shows the car cruising through a green light, then abruptly turning into the crosswalk just as the athletes were moving forward. It smashed through the team and collided with a low brick wall that collapsed under the impact. Seven of the students were hospitalized; one remains in the emergency department awaiting further medical tests.
California Representative Lou Correa posted on X that “all of the students appear to be recovering, with one student still waiting for results of additional medical tests.” He added, “Our prayers are with the families,” after learning of the incident.
Alva‑Palafox has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. A search warrant for his impounded vehicle is still pending, according to the Anaheim Police Department.
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