Three high school students were walking back to Oakwood School in North Hollywood after gym class when they were struck by a car on Wednesday, June 4th. The three 14-year-old girls sustained serious injuries in the crash. The collision occurred in a crosswalk on Magnolia Boulevard at the 170 Freeway around 1:37 p.m.
According to authorities, the girls were walking back to school from nearby Magnolia Park accompanied by other students and an adult chaperone. The three girls who were struck were using the crosswalk with a group of other students when a black Toyota Prius ran a red light, entered the crosswalk at a high rate of speed, and struck the victims, launching them into the intersection. The impact was strong enough to shatter the Prius’ windshield.
Two of the victims were able to move, but the third was unable. She was taken to a local hospital in critical condition after experiencing severe head trauma. The other two girls were taken local hospitals in serious condition. The driver of the Prius, a 48-year-old man, was also taken to a hospital, as his vehicle struck a Nissan Altima after striking the high school students. The driver initially remained on scene and has told authorities that his brakes were not working properly.
Authorities investigated the crash for many hours after the incident, closing the nearby on-ramps to the 170 Freeway. Authorities will be examining the Prius’.
