Full Breakdown
Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash in Anaheim Claims Two Lives
4/2/2026, 1:38:46 PM
Incident Overview
On March 31, 2026, a multi-vehicle crash in Anaheim, California, resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left several others critically injured. The incident occurred just before 1 a.m. at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Anaheim Boulevard. According to the Anaheim Police Department (APD), the crash was initiated when a 19-year-old driver of a silver Infiniti sedan allegedly ran a red light after evading an attempted traffic stop.
Sequence of Events
Around 12:45 a.m., an APD officer observed the Infiniti driving erratically near Harbor Boulevard and Cypress Street. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop; however, the driver turned off the vehicle's lights and accelerated away. The officer did not activate emergency lights and was not in pursuit when the crash occurred shortly thereafter. The Infiniti collided with a red Toyota Camry, driven by 70-year-old Alberto Viveros Piedra, and a blue sedan, resulting in immediate fatalities.
Victims Identified
The deceased were identified as Andrew Joseph Sanchez, a 14-year-old freshman at Anaheim High School, who was a passenger in the Infiniti, and Alberto Viveros Piedra, a great-grandfather who was returning home from work. Family members of Piedra expressed their grief, noting the tragic circumstances of his death, as they learned of the incident upon passing the crash scene. Sanchez's friends described him as a kind and outgoing individual, mourning the loss of a young life cut short.
Injuries and Aftermath
In addition to the fatalities, two teenage girls in the backseat of the Infiniti were hospitalized in critical condition. The driver of the Infiniti also sustained serious injuries. The crash involved a total of four vehicles, and several other individuals suffered minor injuries. The intersection was closed for several hours as investigators collected evidence and reconstructed the events leading to the collision.
Ongoing Investigation
The APD is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the incident. Traffic cameras in the area captured footage of the crash, which will aid in the investigation. The police emphasized that they did not pursue the Infiniti, despite witness accounts suggesting otherwise.
Community Response
In the wake of the tragedy, family members of both victims have set up fundraising efforts to cover funeral costs. The community has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and the impact of reckless driving on innocent individuals. The APD continues to urge drivers to adhere to traffic laws to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
