Eight HS Track Students Injured After Suspected Drunk Driver Mows Them Down in Anaheim [WATCH]

A group of Anaheim High School track athletes was struck by a suspected drunk driver during routine training on Wednesday afternoon, leaving as many as eight students injured.

The collision occurred in broad daylight on a busy street in Anaheim.

Parents rushed to check on their children after reports of the incident circulated.

“It’s heartbreaking. The first thing I did was call both of my boys to make sure they were all right. I know most likely they are going to know some of the students,” one father told KTLA.

According to a news release from the Anaheim Police Department, the team had been waiting near a crosswalk when the driver suddenly swerved onto the sidewalk and collided with the students.

The car, an orange Toyota Corolla, was driven by 27-year-old Anthony Alva-Palafox.

Police stated that Alva-Palafox “displayed objective signs of intoxication” at the scene.

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Seven students and Alva-Palafox were transported to local hospitals.

Their injuries ranged in severity, but officials reported that all were receiving treatment.

The ages of the injured students were between 16 and 17.

Their coach was present during the incident but was not injured.

Traffic camera footage showed the vehicle traveling through a green light before drifting toward the crosswalk.

The footage captured the moment the car left the roadway, struck the students, and continued forward into a low brick wall, which collapsed upon impact.

Horrific video showing a driver hop the curb and slam straight into a high school running team in Anaheim, California.

Eight of the kids have been hospitalized.

The driver was also taken to the hospital and is suspected of DUI. pic.twitter.com/rsYLkPDgBe

— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) December 11, 2025

California Rep. 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.”

We just got an update from Anaheim Police, all of the students appear to be recovering, with one student still waiting for results of additional medical tests. Our prayers with the families.

— Rep. Lou Correa (@RepLouCorrea) December 11, 2025

Following the incident, Alva-Palafox was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of both alcohol and drugs.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Authorities have not released additional updates regarding the condition of the students or any potential charges beyond the initial arrest.

The Anaheim Police Department is asking anyone with firsthand information or additional video of the crash to contact investigators.

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