A horrific early-morning incident on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles has left at least 20 people injured after a vehicle rammed into a crowd near a popular nightlife spot in East Hollywood.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) confirmed the crash occurred around 2:00 a.m. local time on Friday. Among the injured, seven people are in critical condition, six sustained serious injuries, and ten are reported to be in fair condition. Emergency responders said all victims were transported to local hospitals and trauma centers.
LAFD Captain Adam VanGerpen revealed that one of the victims was found with a bullet wound, raising further questions about the nature of the incident. “This is under police investigation,” he stated. “This will be a large investigation with the LAPD.”
More than 120 fire personnel were dispatched to the scene, highlighting the scale and severity of the emergency response. Photos from the area show a grey car mounted on the pavement, surrounded by debris, with police and paramedics providing aid amid a heavy presence of emergency vehicles.
The vehicle reportedly struck a group of women who were waiting in line outside a nightclub. “It was a very chaotic scene,” said Capt VanGerpen. “A lot of bystanders by the club came out to help people.”
The incident occurred near a music venue, but it remains unclear whether the act was intentional or accidental. Authorities have yet to release details about the driver or a possible motive, and the discovery of a gunshot wound has added a complex layer to the ongoing police investigation.
Residents in the area were shocked, with some describing hearing loud bangs followed by screams. The LAPD is expected to review surveillance footage from nearby establishments as they work to piece together the timeline of events.
As investigations continue, city officials are urging anyone with information or video evidence to come forward to assist in determining what led to this disturbing event. The scene remains cordoned off as detectives and forensic teams carry out their work.
