An afternoon outside Erma B. Reese Elementary School in Lodi turned chaotic on Wednesday when a car slammed into two parked vehicles, injuring an adult and a child and leaving one car lodged beneath another.
Lodi police said the collision happened around 2:30 p.m. on West Elm Street, where a moving vehicle hit two parked cars. After the impact, one of the vehicles became wedged under another, according to CBS Sacramento. Lodi Fire crews rushed in to free and treat the injured before they were placed into an ambulance.
Both the adult and the minor were treated at the scene, then transported to San Joaquin General Hospital for additional care. The hospital maintains emergency services at its French Camp campus and lists its locations on its website, San Joaquin General Hospital. Erma B. Reese Elementary, part of Lodi Unified, is located on West Elm Street, according to the school’s site, Erma B. Reese Elementary.
Investigation under way
Police said the cause of the crash is still under investigation, and officers have not yet determined which vehicle the injured people were in at the time of the collision. They also said it remains unclear whether the minor is a student at the school, details first reported by CBS Sacramento.
School-zone safety concerns
The crash has revived long‑running concerns about traffic safety near Lodi schools, where neighbors have previously pushed for better protections in busy school zones. In 2018, for example, KCRA reported that a Lodi crossing guard was struck by a car while on duty, prompting renewed calls for improved signage and traffic controls.
Police are continuing to investigate Wednesday’s collision, and local officials may release more information as the inquiry moves forward. This story will be updated as authorities provide additional details.
