SOUTH LOS ANGELES, CA – A beloved 77-year-old street vendor remains hospitalized with severe injuries nearly two weeks after a distracted driver plowed into his tamale stand on June 20.
A Devastating Crash
Arnulfo Hernandez and his wife were operating their regular stand on Maple Street when a car suddenly veered onto the sidewalk. Family members state that the driver was allegedly distracted by her cell phone before the collision.
According to witnesses and family, the vehicle swerved into the opposite lane, struck another car, and then continued straight over the curb, pinning Hernandez and another man.
Severe Injuries and Long Recovery
The impact left Hernandez with catastrophic injuries. His grandson, Osvaldo Hernandez, confirmed the 77-year-old suffered multiple fractures, including a shattered hip on both sides and foot fractures.
- Surgeries Required: Hernandez has already undergone emergency hip replacement surgery and foot reconstruction.
- Recovery Timeline: Doctors estimate it will take at least three to four months of intensive physical therapy for him to learn how to walk again.
Community Impact
For 20 years, Hernandez and his wife have sold tamales on that exact South Los Angeles corner, using the small business as their primary means to support themselves. The sudden incident has left the family facing mounting medical bills and a complete loss of income.
Video footage capturing the immediate aftermath of the crash is currently being reviewed as authorities continue their investigation into the driver’s actions.
