Social Media Family of 10 Injured in Terrifying California Hit-and-Run Crash
A popular internet-famous family of ten, known as the 'House of Lafond' on social media, were left injured after a terrifying hit-and-run car crash in California, according to police reports. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon as the Los Angeles-based family was traveling in their 12-passenger van to get sushi tacos on the 170 Freeway in North Hollywood.
Violent Collision and Immediate Aftermath
Another vehicle slammed into the Lafond family's van with such immense force that it caused the large van to start 'spinning' uncontrollably on the busy roadway, as recounted by Johnetta Lafond to local news outlet KABC. The impact was so severe that the van subsequently crashed into the median, prompting Johnetta and her husband Hashim Lafond to immediately call 911 for emergency assistance.
The driver responsible for the collision fled the scene immediately after ramming into their vehicle, investigators confirmed. This hit-and-run incident left the entire family sore and shaken, though fortunately, no one sustained serious injuries. Authorities noted that all family members were properly wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash, which likely prevented more severe outcomes.
Family's Harrowing Experience and Social Media Presence
Aerial footage captured first responders diligently tending to the family members following the accident. Photographs from the scene revealed the van's windows completely shattered from the violent collision, illustrating the intensity of the impact. Hashim Lafond described seeing the approaching car in his rearview mirror 'at full speed' moments before the crash.
Adding a touch of lightheartedness to the frightening situation, Hashim remarked, 'I really just wanted to get some sushi tacos.' His wife Johnetta vividly recalled the terrifying moment, stating, 'All of a sudden, I hear and feel a boom, and then we just start spinning. And we have a 12-passenger van. That's not something small to be spinning around in.'
Hashim also expressed concern about other drivers' reactions during the chaotic event, saying, 'Imagine you're sitting there and all the cars are just coming toward you, swerving.' He admitted to questioning reality in the aftermath, thinking, 'Did I survive that? I'm pinching myself like, is this real?'
Family Dynamics and Ongoing Challenges
The Lafond family, who document their everyday lives as a large family across social media platforms, have amassed nearly 500,000 followers on TikTok. Their youngest and eighth child, Yirah, was born on March 14, as announced to their substantial online following. Beyond social media, the family has been featured on prominent television shows including Good Morning America and The Steve Harvey Show, and has modeled for major brands such as Target, Nike, Delta Airlines, Levi's, and Gymboree.
Despite their gratitude for surviving the crash without serious harm, the family remains perplexed by the driver's decision to flee. Johnetta questioned, 'You couldn't check on us to make sure we were OK?' The family's van was unfortunately totaled in the collision and had to be towed away, leaving them to navigate insurance claims and transportation alternatives without their primary vehicle.
Resilience and Investigation Progress
Demonstrating remarkable resilience, some of the children still attended dance class that evening despite the traumatic experience. Eleven-year-old Anaiah Lafond shared, 'I was thinking, like, "Should I go?" Cause my neck hurt really bad. It hurt to turn it.'
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash thoroughly. Under California law, leaving the scene of an accident constitutes a criminal offense regardless of fault determination, with penalties varying based on the collision's consequences. The Daily Mail has reached out to the California Highway Patrol for additional comments regarding the ongoing investigation.
