A longtime Los Angeles street vendor remains hospitalized after a car crashed into his family-run tamale stand in South Los Angeles, leaving him with serious injuries and raising questions about the cause of the collision.
Incident
The crash happened around 9:52 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, near the 2800 block of Maple Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Police said a black Nissan Sentra left the roadway and struck two pedestrians before coming to a stop.
Both pedestrians were injured and transported for medical treatment. The driver remained at the scene, and officers completed a traffic report. LAPD has not confirmed what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway.
Victim
One of the injured pedestrians was Arnulfo Hernandez, 77, who was working at his family-owned tamale stand at the time of the crash. Hernandez and his wife have operated the stand on the same corner in South Los Angeles for about 20 years, according to family members.
Hernandez suffered multiple fractures, including injuries to both hips and his foot, his grandson Osvaldo Hernandez told NBC Los Angeles. He required hip replacement surgery and additional surgery to address other fractures.
Family members said Hernandez has been hospitalized for nearly two weeks and faces a lengthy recovery.
Family account
Osvaldo Hernandez said the family believes the driver may have been using her phone when the collision occurred, although this has not been confirmed by police.
According to his account, the vehicle swerved into the opposite lane, struck another car, and continued toward the curb, where it hit his grandfather and another man. LAPD has said the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Video from the scene showed significant damage to the front driver’s side of the vehicle. In another clip shared by NBC Los Angeles, a woman identified as the driver could be heard calling for help after the collision.
Impact
The incident has left the Hernandez family facing uncertainty. Osvaldo said the tamale stand is his grandparents’ sole source of income, and his grandfather’s injuries have put their livelihood at risk.
He said doctors have told the family that Arnulfo Hernandez will need to relearn how to walk, a process that could take several months.
Family members said they are focused on his recovery and hope he will eventually be able to return to daily life and work.
Community support
Arnulfo Hernandez’s granddaughter, Yoceline Hernandez, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost income during his recovery.
On the fundraising page, she wrote that donations would help support the family during a difficult period and encouraged those unable to donate to share the fundraiser with others.
The LAPD investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
FAQs
When did the crash occur?
The crash happened on the morning of June 20.
Where did the incident take place?
Near the 2800 block of Maple Avenue in South Los Angeles.
Who was injured?
Two pedestrians, including 77-year-old Arnulfo Hernandez.
Has the cause been confirmed?
No, LAPD has not confirmed the cause of the crash.
How can the public help the family?
A GoFundMe has been set up to assist with expenses.
