Los Angeles Fire Department stated that in the early morning of Saturday, a “unidentified vehicle” rammed into a crowd in East Hollywood on Santa Monica Boulevard, leaving at least 30 people injured, with 7 in critical condition and 6 seriously injured.
The incident took place near a music performance venue and nightclub. According to Captain Adam Van Gerpen of the Los Angeles Fire Department, most of the people queuing (mostly women) were waiting to enter the nightclub when they were suddenly struck by a Nissan Versa, which also hit a Mexican food truck and a valet parking kiosk.
“They were all waiting in line to get into the nightclub. There was a Mexican food truck there, so they… bought some food, waiting to go in. There was also a line for valet parking,” he said. “The valet parking platform was damaged, the Mexican food truck was damaged, and then many people were hit by the vehicle.”
A video circulating on social media platform X shows multiple individuals lying on the sidewalk and street receiving emergency treatment, with some being lifted onto stretchers and placed into ambulances, while the scene has been cordoned off by the police.
The Los Angeles Fire Department indicated that the incident occurred around 2 a.m., with 124 firefighters and medical personnel dispatched to the scene to conduct initial assessments and provide medical care. Of the injured, 10 sustained minor injuries, and 7 refused medical treatment after on-site evaluation. According to the Associated Press, emergency personnel also discovered that one of the injured individuals had a gunshot wound, but there is currently no evidence to suggest a direct link to the incident.
“The authorities are investigating the matter,” Gerpen said. “The Los Angeles Police Department will conduct a thorough investigation.”
He mentioned that in the few minutes before emergency responders arrived, people from the club came out to help assist the victims.
The identity of the vehicle and driver responsible for the incident have not been disclosed yet, as the police have launched a thorough investigation. The Los Angeles Police Department has not provided detailed explanations regarding the event.
(This article was based on a report by CNN)