A joyful afternoon turned tragic in Placentia, California, on Sunday when a car crashed into a child’s birthday party at a local park, leaving one person dead and thirteen others injured, including a toddler. Authorities confirmed that the incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. at Sanchez Park, a usually quiet neighborhood park known for its family gatherings and community events.
Witnesses said the driver, whose name has not yet been released, lost control of the vehicle before barreling through a fence and into a picnic area filled with guests. The sudden intrusion shattered what had been a day of laughter, balloons, and music into a scene of panic and devastation.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Terrifying Moments
Residents and party attendees described hearing tires screech before the vehicle smashed through tables and decorations, scattering people in all directions. “It was like something out of a nightmare,” said a mother who had attended the gathering with her two children. “One minute we were singing for the birthday child, and the next, there was chaos, screams, children crying everywhere.”
Several people at the scene rushed to help the injured, pulling children from underneath debris and calling for assistance. Emergency responders arrived minutes later, providing immediate medical care before transporting multiple victims to nearby hospitals.
Victims Include Children and Adults
Police officials confirmed that the deceased victim was an adult woman. Among the thirteen injured, several are children, including a two-year-old toddler who remains in critical condition. Authorities said the victims suffered various injuries ranging from fractures to severe head trauma…