Seven students on a California high school's track team were injured in a crash Wednesday after police said the driver veered off the road in a suspected drunk driving incident.
The crash occurred around 3 p.m. near Harbor Boulevard and North Street in Anaheim, police said in a news release.
The students, all ages 16 and 17, were on a training run and were waiting for the traffic light to change when they were struck. Seven teens were taken to the hospital with various non-life-threatening injuries, the release states. They were accompanied by an adult coach at the time of the crash.
The driver, Anthony Alva-Palafox, 27, was traveling southbound on a green light when he veered off the road and struck the group, according to the release.
Police said the crash is being investigated as a possible DUI and that Alva-Palafox "displayed objective signs of intoxication." He was also taken to the hospital for injuries sustained in the crash.
Video from the scene taken byNBC Los Angelesshowed a car on the sidewalk after crashing into the perimeter wall of a home. The news station reported that at least one person was seen being treated on a stretcher.
"There was probable cause to believe Mr. Alva-Palafox was operating a motor vehicle in an unsafe manner due to his level of intoxication," police said. "He was arrested on suspicion of DUI for both alcohol and drugs. His level of intoxication and drug type will be determined later through blood analysis."
California Rep. Lou Correa said in apost Wednesday on Xthat "all of the students appear to be recovering, with one student still waiting for results of additional medical tests."
"Our prayers are with the families," he said.
Anaheim Union High School District said its "thoughts and prayers are with our students and their families during this time."
Police said Alva-Palafox's car was impounded, and a search warrant is pending to determine if there was any evidence in the vehicle. Speed and other factors contributing to the crash are under investigation, police said.
