At least 30 people were injured early on Saturday when a vehicle rammed into a crowd outside a club on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles, according to the city’s fire department and local media reports.
At least seven people were in critical condition and six others were seriously injured, the fire department said in an online statement.
The incident occurred just before 2 a.m. local time (0900 GMT), the fire department said.
Captain Adam VanGerpen, a fire department spokesman, was quoted by ABC News as saying that a paramedic assessing one of the injured found a gunshot wound. He said he was unable to confirm reports that it was the driver of the car that hit the crowd.
The car, he said, apparently first careened into a taco truck outside the venue and then plowed through a valet stand and into a large group of people.
Videos posted on X showed roads being sealed off and patients being taken away in ambulances.
Authorities gave no immediate details on the cause of the incident or the identity of the driver.
CNN reported, citing a law enforcement source, that the driver involved in the incident is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.
Eyewitnesses’ Accounts
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as a Nissan Versa veered out of control onto the sidewalk, striking several people who were lined up outside a popular nightclub.
The car also crashed into a taco truck and a valet stand before finally coming to a stop. Moments after the crash, bystanders rushed to assist the wounded while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash. It remains unclear whether it was a deliberate act, a terror-related incident, or a tragic accident. The driver of the vehicle reportedly stayed at the scene and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Santa Monica Boulevard, a hub of nightlife in the city, was bustling at the time of the incident, which contributed to the high number of injuries. Officials are asking the public to share any information, surveillance footage, or phone recordings that could aid the investigation.
(With inputs from Reuters)
