25 sheriff recruits have been injured after their group were hit by a car going the wrong way during a morning run.
Police confirmed nearly 75 law enforcement recruits were out jogging in Whittier, California at about 6.25am, when a car travelling the wrong way ploughed into them at 40mph.
Captain Kelliher, from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, confirmed at least five recruits were in a critical condition, with four officers suffering moderate injuries.
The group contained 65 recruits from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and 10 sheriffs from local departments.
According to eyewitnesses, the car was speeding between 30-40mph when the vehicle launched into the officers - with the recruits unable to escape in time.
The car crashed into a light pole as footage from the scene showed a Honda CRV left looking 'like an airplane wreck', according to Sheriff Alex Villanueva.
He said at a press conference: "'It looked like an airplane wreck, there were so many bodies scattered everywhere."
Mr Villanueva revealed all of the injuries sustained were 'survivable' as one victim remains in hospital on a ventilator.
He confirmed other sheriffs have lost limbs and suffered head trauma from the crash.
A 22-year-old male Hispanic driver, who has not been named, was taken into custody and was breathalysed, but returned '0.0'.
However, it has been reported the driver had marijuana in his car when he was arrested.
Police have not revealed whether the driver was high when he crashed the car, but he reportedly told authorities he was sleepy when he was arrested.
He was taken to a nearby hospital for injuries sustained in the crash.
However, some victims were airlifted to hospitals for treatment including St. Francis Medical Center and LAC+USC Medical Center.
Footage from the scene showed officers trying to resuscitate one victim who sustained a nasty head injury.
The crash saw roads in the area blocked off as emergency services tried to find the victims and transport the trainee sheriffs to nearby hospitals.
Retired Fire Captain Rich Godinez, from the LA City Fire Department, told CBS Los Angeles : "The hardest part is finding each victim.
"There are red, yellow, and green tarps used by first responders to categorise the victims. First responders will start to reach out to hospitals to start diverting each victim to different hospitals."
Two sheriffs have since been released from hospital.
All trainee sheriffs were wearing reflective vests when they were hit as the group were about to take part in safety drills.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva said: "It is hard to see because these young people are getting ready to go put themselves in the line of danger in their career, and who knows that while you’re training to do that, you’ve put yourself in harm’s way.
"So my heart goes out to all of them as they pursue this career. I hope they all have speedy recoveries and that they’re in good shape."
The Los Angeles Police Department offered its support to the trainees affected by the crash.
In a statement, it said: "Our thoughts are with those impacted by this morning's events involving the Sheriff's Recruits.
"As we await more information on their conditions, we are wishing everyone a quick recovery."
