A family of ten, popular on TikTok, has made headlines after they were involved in an alleged hit-and-run incident in Los Angeles. The Lafond family, who have garnered a significant following of over 400,000 users on the social media platform, experienced the frightening event on April 13 while driving in their van.
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Driving through Los Angeles in the afternoon, the Lafond family — consisting of parents Hashim and Johnetta and their eight children, the youngest being just three weeks old — were struck by another vehicle, which caused their van to crash into the highway median. Reports from ABC7 indicate that the incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m. when a sedan collided with the rear of their vehicle on a wet roadway, causing both vehicles to lose control and spin.
The California Highway Patrol has classified the collision as a hit-and-run since the sedan involved reportedly fled the scene shortly after the crash. Following the collision, the Lafonds managed to alert emergency services using one of the phones that had fallen during the chaotic event. Video footage and photographs from the scene show the damage to their van, with shattered windows and visible signs of impact.
In recounting the harrowing experience, Hashim described seeing the vehicle approach in his rear-view mirror before it struck them at high speed. “I heard and felt a boom, and then we just started spinning,” he told ABC7. Johnetta echoed his sentiments, expressing the disbelief at how a large 12-passenger vehicle could be sent spinning so violently, highlighting the severity of the crash.
Despite the chaos and damage, the entire family was remarkably unharmed. Following the incident, some of the children even attended their dance practice later that same evening, which speaks volumes about their resilience. However, the couple harboured some frustration and concern towards the driver of the sedan. “You couldn’t check on us to make sure we were OK?” Johnetta remarked, questioning the lack of concern shown by the fleeing driver.
The Lafond family’s experience reflects the potentially dangerous situations that can arise on the roads, raising awareness of the responsibility drivers have towards one another. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of driving, where a momentary lapse in attention can lead to serious consequences.
As a result of the collision, the family’s vehicle was declared a total loss, and they are now navigating the process of dealing with insurance to secure a replacement van. Given their public presence on TikTok, there has been speculation about how the family might address the incident moving forward, though they have yet to post any updates on the platform about the crash.
The Lafond family’s story highlights not only the dangers of the road but also the importance of community and support during challenging times. Their popularity on social media may provide them with a platform to reach a wider audience, encouraging discussions around road safety and the responsibilities of drivers.
The Lafonds continue to share their life as a large family in Los Angeles, offering followers a glimpse into their daily adventures and experiences, and they will likely use this latest incident to foster further conversations within their community.