REDONDO BEACH – The death toll from the accident involving an allegedly intoxicated driver and a dozen pedestrians leaving a church in Redondo Beach has climbed to three, and nine victims — including two children – – remain hospitalized, authorities said today.

A group of up to 12 pedestrians crossing Pacific Coast Highway at Vincent Street when they were struck by a northbound car at about 8 p.m., said Redondo Beach police Lt. Joe Hoffman.

Two of the victims were elderly women from Torrance — Mary Wilson, 81, and Saeko Matsumura, 87 — said Investigator Kristy McCracken of the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office. She added that the name of the third fatal victim, who has next-of-kin among the injured, would not be released immediately.

•Photos: Fatal accident in Redondo Beach

At least two children were among the victims who had been walking back to their cars after the Christmas program at St. James Catholic Church put on by students at the church’s school.

The driver, a woman who has not been identified, was taken to a hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries. She was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter, Hoffman said.

The woman, driving an older model, white Saturn sedan, allegedly ran a red light, struck the pedestrians and then veered head-on into a southbound Honda Fit. The Saturn then carried at least one of the pedestrians into a southbound sport utility vehicle. Witnesses reported seeing “a young boy” trapped underneath the SUV.

Alan Wells, who lives in the apartment building at the corner, heard the crash and ran outside to help.

“I saw people lying all over the street, and people in the crosswalk were screaming and yelling,” he said. “I could see a little boy underneath the SUV.”

Windshields of both vehicles were smashed. Debris and shoes, including a pair of little girl’s sparkly flats, littered Pacific Coast Highway.

Twelve ambulances and paramedic crews responded to the scene, treating victims before they were taken to various local hospitals, Hoffman said.

Pacific Coast Highway was blocked for several hours from Diamond to Emerald streets as Redondo Beach police investigated. The California Highway Patrol was also called in to help with the investigation.

Officers also responded from several other law enforcement agencies, including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and El Segundo.

“An incident of this scope, with this many victims, is a huge draw on our resources,” Hoffman said. “We could not do it without the support of other law enforcement in the South Bay.”

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles issued a statement late Wednesday saying it was “a difficult time for us … and especially for the St. James community.”

“The community of St. James Catholic Church in Redondo Beach, and the entire Archdiocese of Los Angeles, ask everyone to join them in prayer during this time of tragedy and grief,” the statement said.

Anyone with any information on the crash, including photos or videos, is asked to contact the Redondo Beach Police Department at 310-379-2477.