At least 31 people were injured in a car that plowed into a crowd outside the Vermont Nightclub on East Hollywood’s Santa Monica Boulevard around 2am Saturday, authorities report.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) said seven casualties were in danger, six were in serious condition, and another 19 people suffered minor injuries.
Emergency services responded quickly to a chaotic scene in which a grey car was found, currently heavily damaged, among the debris of the sidewalk. LAFD captain Adam Van Gelpen said the vehicle hit the taco skirt before it hit a pedestrian. One patient is reported to have a gunshot wound, but details remain unconfirmed.
“Total panic” when a car plows into Santa Monica BVLD Night Crabber
Witnesses have described the scene of “complete panic,” with some claiming they heard the gunshot seconds before the crash. Social media footage shows dozens of firefighters and police officers present in the injured while onslanting scores at a nearby service station. One witness reported that he saw security guards tackle a driver left in the vehicle shortly after the incident.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is currently investigating after it was reported that a 911 call occurred during a fight involving 15 people. Police claim that no arrests have been made, and authorities are still searching for gunmen who may have escaped from the scene. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
LAFD continues to coordinate patient triage and transport to local hospitals. The incident has caused the community to sway, with dramatic images of red sirens illuminating the night sky.
