At least 31 people have been injured by a car which ploughed into a crowd outside The Vermont nightclub on Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood at around 2am on Saturday, authorities have reported.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) said that seven victims are in critical condition, six are in serious condition, and another 19 others sustained minor injuries.
Emergency services responded rapidly to the chaotic scene, where a grey car, now heavily damaged, was found amid debris on the sidewalk. LAFD Captain Adam Van Gerpen stated that the vehicle struck a taco cart before hitting the pedestrians. One patient is reported to have suffered a gunshot wound, though details remain unconfirmed.
“Total panic” as car ploughs into Santa Monica Bvld nightclubbers
Eyewitnesses have described a scene of “total panic”, and some claim to have heard gunshots seconds before the crash. Social media footage shows dozens of firefighters and police officers attending to the injured, while scores of bystanders at a nearby service station watching in shock. One witness reported seeing bouncers tackle the driver, who remained in the vehicle immediately after the incident.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is investigating, after a 911 call reported shots fired during a fight involving 15 people. Police claim that no arrests have been made, and authorities are still searching for a possible gunman who fled the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
LAFD continues to coordinate patient triage and transport to local hospitals. The incident has left the community shaken, with dramatic images of red sirens illuminating the night sky.
