A 77-year-old street vendor from Los Angeles remains in hospital after a serious incident in which a car crashed into his family-owned tamale stand. The unfortunate event took place on June 20, when Arnulfo Hernandez was serving customers alongside his wife, necessitating significant medical intervention due to his injuries.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/don-polo-beloved-tamale-vendor-gofundme-070326-d54f498c96cb4444ace05abab4daa1a8.jpg)
Eyewitness accounts and family statements indicate that the driver of the vehicle, a black Nissan Sentra, may have been distracted by her phone when the crash occurred. Although the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has not officially confirmed this theory, it continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. The collision reportedly happened around 9:52 a.m. on Maple Avenue, where the car left the road and struck two pedestrians.
Mr Hernandez sustained multiple fractures, most notably two broken hips, as well as injuries to his foot. His grandson, Osvaldo Hernandez, detailed the severity of his grandfather’s condition, revealing that he has already undergone hip replacement surgery and a separate procedure on his foot. “He has to learn how to walk again. That might take three or four months,” Osvaldo shared, highlighting the long road to recovery that lies ahead for his grandfather.
Osvaldo recounted how the moments leading up to the incident transpired. He alleged that the driver appeared to be swerving, first colliding with another car before veering onto the pavement and crashing into his grandfather’s stand. Video footage captured by bystanders shows the vehicle displaying significant damage to the front driver’s side, while the driver was heard pleading for help at the scene.
The Hernandez family has operated their tamale stand at the same location in South Los Angeles for two decades, relying on this venture as their primary source of income. Osvaldo expressed concern for the couple’s financial stability during this challenging period. “It’s sad to see him like that… But I hope he does come back fine and able to walk again,” he said, yearning for the days of a peaceful life prior to the traumatic event.
In response to the mounting medical expenses and the loss of income during this recovery phase, Arnulfo’s granddaughter, Yoceline Hernandez, has initiated a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe. She aims to generate contributions to cover medical bills and rehabilitation costs, while also addressing the couple’s lost wages. On the campaign page, she stated, “Any donation, no matter the amount, will make a difference.” Yoceline emphasised the importance of community support, asking individuals to share the fundraiser to raise awareness.
The incident has raised concerns among local residents regarding road safety, particularly in areas frequented by pedestrians and vendors. As the investigation continues, many in the community are reflecting on the potential dangers posed by distracted driving and the increasing prevalence of mobile phone use while on the road.
For now, Arnulfo’s family has their sights set on ensuring his recovery and securing the necessary resources to support him during this difficult chapter. The road ahead is daunting, but the support from the community and ongoing medical care will play significant roles in his healing process. As the Hernandez family waits for positive news, they also remind others of the need for vigilance while driving, hoping that their tragedy will foster greater awareness about the risks involved in distracted driving.