GLENDALE, California — August 14, 2026 — A terrifying crash at a preschool in Glendale, California, sent shockwaves through the community last week after a vehicle smashed through a gate and into a classroom where young children were attending summer camp. Eight children were injured in the incident, but authorities say all of them suffered only minor injuries and were later released from hospitals.

The crash happened shortly before 2 p.m. on Friday, August 7, at Grandview House Preschool at 1212 North Pacific Avenue in Glendale. According to the Glendale Police Department, the driver was a 79-year-old woman who had no affiliation with the preschool.

Investigators say the woman was attempting to make a U-turn inside the school’s parking lot when she apparently became confused between the accelerator and brake pedals. Instead of stopping, the vehicle accelerated across the parking area.

The black Infiniti first struck a parked vehicle before continuing forward. It then broke through a gate separating the parking lot from the preschool grounds and slammed directly into a classroom occupied by children participating in a summer camp program.

The impact created a chaotic and frightening scene. Part of the classroom wall was destroyed, while debris and sections of the gate fell into the area where the children were located. Witnesses and nearby residents rushed toward the damaged building to help.

Vigen Hovsepyan, one of the people who assisted with the rescue, described the scene as resembling something from a horror movie. Another witness, Mahmoud Hajazi, said he rushed toward the building after hearing teachers screaming and saw children on the ground.

Emergency crews quickly arrived at the preschool. Eight children were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries. Fortunately, none of the injuries were reported as life-threatening, and all eight children were subsequently released to their families. No adults were injured in the crash.

The incident initially prompted a DUI investigation because of the seriousness of the collision. However, Glendale police said there were no signs that the driver was impaired by alcohol or drugs. Authorities subsequently characterized the collision as an accident and said the driver was cooperating with investigators.

Despite the frightening circumstances, police have not described the incident as an intentional attack. The driver was released from the scene, and according to the latest reporting from the Los Angeles Times, no criminal charges had been filed against her at that point.

The crash also raised concerns about the physical condition of the preschool building. Fire department personnel examined the structure to determine whether the impact had compromised its integrity. It remained unclear immediately afterward when the school would fully reopen.

The school reportedly had approximately 60 children between the ages of four and five attending its summer camp that day. The fact that the vehicle traveled through the parking lot, breached the gate and ultimately entered a classroom made the incident particularly alarming for parents and staff.

As of August 14, 2026, the most significant development remains the positive medical outcome: all eight injured children were released to their families, and no deaths or serious injuries have been reported. Authorities continue to examine exactly how the pedal confusion occurred and whether any additional factors contributed to the crash.

For parents, staff and the Glendale community, however, the incident remains a terrifying reminder of how quickly an ordinary afternoon can turn into a life-threatening emergency — and how fortunate the children were to escape a devastating collision with only minor injuries.

Sources: ABC7 Los Angeles, Los Angeles Times, CBS Los Angeles, and PEOPLE.