A vehicle crashed into a crowd in Los Angeles, injuring at least 30 people.
On Saturday, July 19, around 2:00 a.m. local time, a vehicle crashed into a crowd on Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood, according to a news release from the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The LAFD reported that multiple people were injured, with at least seven in critical condition and six in serious condition.
According to ABC 7 and the LAFD, one of the injured was a male with a gunshot wound.
The Daily Mail and the BBC obtained photos of the scene, which show a gray car with a crumpled hood stationed near the Vermont Hollywood nightclub on Santa Monica Boulevard, surrounded by police tape.
Several police officers and firefighters can also be seen congregating in the area.
ABC 7 reported that the car’s driver allegedly crashed into the crowd after being removed from a nearby business, citing the Los Angeles Police Department.
“They were all standing in line to enter a nightclub.” There was a taco cart out there, so they were getting some food while waiting to enter. According to the outlet, LAFD Capt. Adam Van Gerpen described the crowd as having a valet line. “The valet podium was taken out, the taco truck was taken out, and then a large number of people were impacted by the vehicle.”
The driver, who was allegedly driving a Nissan Versa, sustained a gunshot wound after bystanders removed him from the vehicle and began attacking him.
According to AP, the majority of the victims struck by the car were female.
A witness told the outlet that a fight broke out outside the club prior to the car ramming.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy.” I’d like to thank the more than 100 LAFD and LAPD personnel who responded to the scene and helped save lives,” Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement, according to ABC 7. “The hearts of Angelenos are with all of the victims impacted this morning – a full investigation into what happened is underway.”
PEOPLE has contacted the LAFD for comment.
