BREAKING: A devastating incident unfolded in Los Angeles last night as a car plowed into a crowd outside the Vermont Hollywood nightclub, injuring 30 people and leaving at least 3 individuals in critical condition. The shocking event occurred along Santa Monica Boulevard just before midnight, sending bystanders into a panic.
According to Los Angeles police, the driver, who was later discovered to have sustained a gunshot wound, was attacked by the crowd after the incident. Authorities are currently searching for the suspected shooter, described as a man wearing a blue jersey and armed with a silver revolver. It remains unclear if the driver was shot before or after the crash.
Witnesses reported that a line of predominantly female attendees was waiting to enter the club, which was hosting a reggae and hip-hop event from 10 PM to 2 AM, when the vehicle—a Nissan Versa—struck them. The car also collided with a taco truck and a valet stand, causing chaos and destruction.
Fire Captain Adam VanGerpen stated, “They were all standing in line going into a nightclub. There was a taco cart out there, so they were getting some food, waiting to go in.” He confirmed that emergency crews responded swiftly, with patrons from the club assisting victims in the immediate aftermath.
The Los Angeles City Fire Department confirmed that 23 victims were transported to local hospitals and trauma centers. Eyewitness Maria Medrano, who was operating a food cart nearby, described the harrowing moment: “The car stopped once it hit the hot dog stand, it got stuck there. If not, I wouldn’t be here to tell the story.”
Shortly after the vehicle struck the crowd, Medrano reported hearing gunshots, prompting a frantic evacuation of the area. “Everyone started running,” she recounted, emphasizing the panic that ensued.
The driver was quickly taken to a local hospital for treatment, but police have not yet identified him or disclosed his condition. The LAPD is conducting a large-scale investigation into the incident, with officials urging anyone with information to come forward.
As this story develops, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of a night that began with excitement but ended in tragedy. Authorities are expected to release more details as the investigation continues. Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding situation.
