Driver speeding crashes into landmark fountain in SoCal.

In the early hours of Sunday, a violent collision occurred in the heart of Orange's historic Plaza Park. Security cameras captured the event as a speeding driver failed to make a turn at Orange Circle, causing damage to bushes, benches, and barriers before scraping the side of the central fountain. Witnesses mentioned seeing a group of men leaving the area where the vehicle came to rest, abandoning the wrecked car. The driver survived the crash but was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, as reported by a spokesperson from the Orange Police Department. Authorities informed KTLA that the suspect had a history of DUI-related convictions and was on probation at the time. Local residents expressed frustration over the incident, with one mentioning the recurrent nature of accidents at the fountain. This recent crash is part of a concerning trend at the historical site, with police records showing four other collisions at the fountain over the last two years. Following significant repairs and safety improvements, the site reopened in April 2024 only to be subjected to another collision by a speeding 18-year-old later that year. Orange police noted that while incidents are not uncommon at the plaza, they respond to numerous issues at various intersections throughout the town. Some residents suggested converting the plaza into a pedestrian-only space due to safety concerns and the repeated damage to the beloved public area.