The students sat silently in their mangled vehicles waiting for help to arrive. Word about the accident spread quickly through Nogales High and students began pouring onto the street to witness the carnage first hand. Vice Principal Mark Anderson rushed out to try and keep the crowds back.

Sirens could be heard in the distance, police cars pushing drivers out of the way with their flashing lights and blaring sirens. CHP and L.A. County Sheriff's deputies quickly blocked off the southbound lanes of Nogales Street in front of the busy high school. Staring motorists were shuffled off onto nearby La Puente Road.