July 16, 2025

As many as 7 people are hurt in Los Angeles-area crash

Seven people were treated at the scene of a multi-vehicle crash that involved a school bus in Arleta, Los Angeles, late Wednesday morning, although no children were reported to be on board.

The accident occurred just after 10:30 am at the intersection of Terra Bella Street and North Arleta Avenue, in a residential section of the San Fernando Valley.

Aerial footage shows a yellow school bus with heavy front-end damage, positioned partially on a sidewalk, alongside a black Mercedes SUV. Three additional vehicles, some of them closely bunched, are visible along the roadside, all bearing signs of collision.

What officials confirmed

Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) personnel assessed the scene and treated seven individuals for injuries, though most reportedly declined transportation to nearby hospitals. The school bus operator was among those treated, according to CBS footage.

At the time of reporting, the extent of injuries for those involved remained unconfirmed, and authorities had not released details on which vehicles sustained the most damage.

Police have not publicly stated fault or cited any traffic violations. A preliminary report suggests the bus may have entered the intersection improperly, though investigations are ongoing.

Visuals and Video Context

Several social media clips and dashcam recordings captured the incident. In one video, the bus appears to spin or veer off the road after impact, striking another vehicle and forcing it onto the sidewalk. Additional vehicles nearby appear damaged in the immediate aftermath. Aerial shots provide broader context, showing the bus off-axis from the roadway among other stalled or swerved vehicles.

Broader Traffic and Safety issues

City traffic collision data shows that even with no students present, any crash involving a school bus draws heightened concern, due to their size and vulnerability in residential settings. Multi-vehicle collisions in these neighborhoods often strain emergency response resources and disrupt daily life.

This kind of crash underscores broader safety concerns; major intersections in San Fernando Valley are frequently targeted for speed enforcement and red-light monitoring due to a history of serious collisions.

What Comes Next

LAPD investigators continue reviewing footage, interviewing drivers and witnesses and collecting surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses. They have not yet named any parties as suspects or announced whether citations or criminal charges will be issued.

Residents in the neighborhood may expect traffic delays and possible street closures as evidence collection continues. No students were on the bus at the time, and buses in the district typically run minimal public routes during mid-morning hours.

In Summary

This collision, although it did not include any children on board serves as a sharp reminder of how multi-vehicle accidents can occur suddenly, in seemingly quiet areas. While the LAPD’s response limited immediate danger, the investigation is ongoing to clarify what unfolded at a normally calm residential crossroads.