A freeway scare turned a routine Monday outing into a near disaster for a Los Angeles influencer family of 10, who are now recovering after a hit-and-run crash on the southbound 170 Freeway at Whitsett Avenue. Two parents and eight children were evaluated and taken to local hospitals. The family says injuries were limited to soreness, with no broken bones, but their 12-passenger van was totaled in the collision and the other driver took off.
Crash on the 170
The collision unfolded during a brief rainstorm when the family’s van was hit and spun out on the southbound freeway, triggering a major emergency response. Multiple ambulances and fire units rushed to the scene. Air7 footage showed first responders tending to children on the roadway and crews closing lanes while they worked, according to ABC7.
House of Lafond speaks
Hashim Lafond told reporters he saw a car “coming toward us at full speed.” In a bit of dark humor, he added, “I really just wanted to get some sushi tacos,” a reminder that this was supposed to be an ordinary family outing. Johnetta Lafond recalled, “All of a sudden, I hear and feel a boom, and then we just start spinning.”
A firefighter was seen carrying the family’s youngest child, who is just three weeks old, from the scene. The Lafonds say everyone in the van was buckled in and that they immediately called 911, according to ABC7.
Investigation and legal context
The California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash as a hit-and-run, and authorities say the driver who struck the van remained at large as of Monday. Under state law, leaving the scene of a collision that causes injury can be prosecuted as a felony under Vehicle Code 20001. Non-injury hit-and-run cases that involve only property damage fall under Vehicle Code 20002.
Aftermath
The family, who create content as House of Lafond, told reporters they are grateful everyone was strapped in and that they are now working with insurance to replace the van. Despite the scare and lingering soreness, some of the children reportedly still made it to dance practice that evening. Local outlets noted that the Los Angeles Fire Department issued a traffic alert while crews cleared the scene.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the driver to contact the California Highway Patrol. Authorities have not released any suspect description. This story will be updated as officials provide more details.
