It was supposed to be a bustling, carefree Sunday afternoon in downtown Los Angeles’ vibrant Fashion District—until chaos erupted. A minivan tore through a crowded market area known as Santee Alley, injuring nine individuals, including three children. The terrifying scene left witnesses in shock and raised serious concerns about pedestrian safety in one of LA’s most iconic open-air shopping hubs. Here’s everything we know so far about the incident, from the minute-by-minute timeline to police investigations and community reactions.
Overview of the Incident
Time and Location
The crash occurred at around 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2025, in the heart of the Santee Alley—an extremely busy stretch within Los Angeles’ Fashion District. This area, known for its bargain shops, street vendors, and endless foot traffic, is especially packed during weekends. On this particular Sunday, hundreds of families were out enjoying the warm spring weather, shopping, and eating when the unexpected occurred.
Eyewitnesses describe the driver of a silver minivan swerving suddenly off East 12th Street before mounting the curb and smashing through concrete barriers meant to protect pedestrians. The vehicle continued forward, colliding with several shoppers before coming to a stop near a vendor booth. The impact was so forceful that it reportedly caused part of an awning to collapse nearby.
What makes this incident particularly alarming is how fast it unfolded. Within mere seconds, a lively market turned into a scene of screams, sirens, and panic. Cell phone footage captured the immediate aftermath, with people rushing to assist the injured as emergency crews arrived.
What Eyewitnesses Saw
Several bystanders offered gut-wrenching accounts of the crash. One vendor, who has been operating a jewelry stall on Santee Alley for over a decade, said he heard “a screeching sound, followed by loud crashes and people screaming.” Another shopper, a mother of two, described the horror of seeing the minivan barreling toward the crowd while holding her young child’s hand.
Eyewitnesses also noted the driver appeared distraught immediately after the crash. Some rushed to open the van’s doors, fearing the driver may have suffered a medical emergency or lost consciousness. Others helped pull injured individuals to safety before paramedics arrived. The community’s quick response likely prevented further injuries and provided some immediate aid before professionals took over.
Initial Emergency Response
Within minutes of the crash, first responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and LAPD flooded the scene. Emergency vehicles lined the narrow streets of the alley, and paramedics quickly began treating the injured. According to official reports, seven people were transported to nearby hospitals. Two additional adult victims declined to be transported, despite sustaining injuries.
Police quickly cordoned off the area, redirecting foot traffic and securing the crash site for investigation. The priority was clear: tend to the injured, assess the structural damage caused by the vehicle, and determine if there was any immediate danger to the public. It’s worth noting the LAFD’s swift response and organized handling of the chaotic aftermath helped maintain some level of calm.
Details About the Victims
Number of People Injured
In total, nine people were confirmed injured in the crash. Among them were shoppers, families, and street vendors who were going about their usual routines. This number includes three children who were struck directly by the vehicle or hit by flying debris. It’s miraculous, given the crowded conditions, that the incident didn’t result in fatalities.
Each victim’s story is heartbreaking in its own right. These weren’t just nameless individuals—they were parents, siblings, and community members who woke up expecting a normal Sunday outing. Now, many are recovering from injuries and trauma caused by an incident that could have easily been prevented with better safety measures.
Condition and Age of Victims
According to the LAFD, among the seven hospitalized were an 8-year-old boy, an 11-year-old boy, and a 17-year-old male teen. All were listed in fair condition, with injuries ranging from leg fractures to head lacerations. Two adults in their 30s were treated for minor injuries and opted not to be taken to the hospital, though officials encouraged them to seek medical attention regardless.
Medical professionals say none of the injuries are considered life-threatening, which is a small relief given the severity of the crash. However, the psychological scars—especially for the children involved—could last much longer. Several victims are expected to undergo physical therapy and trauma counseling in the weeks ahead.
Medical Assistance Provided
At the scene, paramedics set up a triage area to assess injuries. Immediate first aid, including CPR and bleeding control, was administered. Victims who required further evaluation were quickly stabilized and transported to hospitals including Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center and California Hospital Medical Center.
The LAFD later praised bystanders for their efforts in helping the injured. Several off-duty nurses and medics happened to be present and jumped into action without hesitation. Their quick thinking and willingness to help may have made a critical difference in the outcome for several victims.
