82-Year-Old Driver Injures 7 Outside Church

An 82-year-old motorist plowed into a crowd of churchgoers, injuring seven people--including two young children--who were standing on a sidewalk buying and selling palms for a Palm Sunday service at St. Anthony’s Church, authorities said.

The victims, including one who suffered critical injuries, were taken to hospitals in Anaheim and Orange, police said.

The accident occurred about 12:30 p.m Sunday when the driver, Maria Pickering of Anaheim, attempted to leave the church’s parking lot after attending morning services, police said.

A police spokesman said Pickering hit the accelerator and lost control of her 1988 Chevrolet Caprice as she attempted to make a right turn from the church’s driveway onto east La Palma Avenue.

Pickering’s vehicle jumped the curb and plowed into a crowd of churchgoers, some holding the palms that they had bought only moments before for an afternoon service, police said.

Maria Pacheco Garcia, 32, of Anaheim was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange, where she was listed in critical condition.

Three others suffered moderate injuries. They were identified as Hugo Pacheco Garcia, 3, of Anaheim; Isabel Castillo, 26, of Stanton; and Enrique Ramirez, 31, of Placentia.

The remaining victims, all of whom suffered minor injuries, were identified as Fabiana Romano, 39; Eric Quijano, 5; and Natividad Lopez, 44--all of Anaheim.

Pickering was not cited for the accident, but an investigation is continuing, police said.