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After a person was killed in a crash crash outside South Los Angeles Middle School, residents said they need to do more to protect their children from dangerous streets filled with speeding drivers all the time.
A crash occurred near Vernon and McKinley Avenue on Tuesday around 7am, just outside George Washington Carver Middle School, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Surveillance video showed a driver crashing into a parked car on a busy street. The driver was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
One person died in a crash just outside George Washington Carver Middle School in South Los Angeles on May 27, 2025. George Washington Carver Middle School (Citizens) in South Los Angeles was killed in a crash on May 27, 2025, just outside George Washington Carver Middle School in South Los Angeles. (Google Earth)
The fatal conflict happened just before school day began. Residents said drivers often ignore signs and are constantly speeding up in the area despite the intersection being designated as a school zone.
“It’s kind of scary because you’re walking down the streets knowing people are crashing and attacking people,” said middle schooler Teshanti Cash.
“It’s very dangerous to have no lights in every corner as children walk up and down these streets,” said Janila Dubaus, another student.
No other person was injured in Tuesday’s crash, but the intersection was one street from where a 12-year-old was hit and killed by a driver while walking home from school in April 2024.
Derrick Serrano, a 12-year-old sixth grader at Washington Carver Middle, was crossing the street near Vernon and Wadsworth Avenue when he was killed.
Derrick Serrano, 12, can be seen in a family photo. Derrick Serrano, 12, can be seen in a family photo. (KTLA) Claudia Gramajo and her son Derrick Serrano were seen in personal photos. A makeshift memorial, seen near Carver Middle School, is dedicated to Derrick Serrano. (KTLA) 12-year-old Derrick Serrano can be seen in family photos. Derrick Serrano, 12, can be seen in a family photo. Derrick Serrano and his family can be seen in personal photos. (Google Earth)The intersection next to Carver Middle School where Derrick Serrano, 12, was struck and killed on April 18, 2024. (Google Earth)A driver was seen doing dangerous street stunts near the intersection of Vernon and Wadsworth Avenues in South LA as KTLA was on the scene on May 4, 2024. (KTLA)Claudia Gramajo mourns the death of her son, Derrick Serrano on May 4, 2024. He was hit and killed by a South Los Angeles driver. (KTLA) Intersection next to Carver Junior High School, where Derrick Serrano (12) was hit and killed on April 18, 2024 (KTLA) Intersection next to Carver Junior High School, where Derrick Serrano, 12, was hit and killed. He was hit and killed by a South Los Angeles driver. (KTLA)
His mother, Claudia Gramajo, believed that his death would have been prevented if appropriate safety measures were in place.
Parents said busy intersections do not have significant crosswalks, signs or safety signals to protect students.
Residents and community members said students are putting their lives at risk every day by being forced to navigate highly crowded roads and intersections outside of school.
“It was sad,” Cash said of Serrano’s death. “What you know about this is the school zone and it shouldn’t go on.”
In addition to high traffic, the area is also known for its reckless drivers who perform dangerous street stunts and sideshows.
Neighbors said the area desperately needs pedestrian safety infrastructure, and community members advocate for other features such as traffic lights or slowing traffic such as speed bumps and flashlights.
Cash and Dubose said they wanted to feel safe when crossing the streets and shouldn’t worry about whether their lives are in danger every day.
“I want people to be more responsible and respected to other people’s children,” Cash said.
The cause of the crash on Tuesday is under investigation. LAPD has not released the identity of the killed driver.
KTLA has reached out to councillors overseeing the South Park area for comment and is waiting for a response.
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