USC basketball commit Alijah Arenas critically injured in Tesla crash

Authorities were called to the scene after USC commit Alijah Arenas was involved in a car crash early Thursday morning. The USC community and fans await updates on his continued recovery.

The 18-year-old's Tesla Cybertruck collided with either a tree or a fire hydrant, according to initial reports, though that precise detail wasn't confirmed at the time. A call was made around 4:55 a.m. to report the incident. Fire was also reportedly present due to the collision. Arenas was placed in a medically induced coma. As of Thursday afternoon, no further updates on Arenas’ condition have been released. Although there aren't believed to be any fractures in the teenager's body following the crash, according to ESPN sources.

Following the initial reports, the events are currently being attributed to the loss of control of the vehicle. Arenas was transported to the hospital and is in critical condition at this moment.

LA Times reporter Ryan Kartje later arrived on the scene and reported that the incident "took place on Corbin Ave. near Blythe St." The journalist also shared that first responders arrived at the scene shortly after 5 a.m. in the morning.

Updates from the scene following initial reporting

Kartje took pictures of the area. From the photos that he shared on X, a tree had significant portions of bark removed from it. He would go on to update that the Tesla had burst into flames after being removed and transported to a nearby tow yard. A small fire at the crash site was contained, but the Cybertruck later caught fire at a tow yard, with no additional injuries reported.

Slated to arrive on campus for the start of his freshman year with the Trojans, the immediate concern turns to Arenas' health. As he fights for recovery, USC and his family await positive news, with the investigation into the crash ongoing.