LOS ANGELES — A night out turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy early Saturday when a vehicle slammed into a crowd outside a club on Santa Monica Boulevard, leaving at least 30 people injured, including several in critical condition, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The incident occurred just before 2 a.m. in the bustling nightlife district, where partygoers had gathered near a taco truck and valet stand. Authorities say the vehicle first collided with the food vendor, then plowed through a group of pedestrians, scattering debris and bodies across the street.
Fire officials reported that seven people were critically injured, while six sustained serious injuries. Emergency crews sealed off the area and transported victims to nearby hospitals as stunned onlookers recorded the aftermath. Social media footage showed flashing red lights, toppled metal stands, and paramedics working swiftly under the glow of club signs.
In a disturbing twist, responders discovered that one of the victims had sustained a gunshot wound, raising questions about whether the incident was a targeted attack or the result of a confrontation gone violently wrong.
According to LAFD Captain Adam VanGerpen, the driver may have been assaulted by bystanders after the crash. The Los Angeles Police Department said responding officers found the driver had been shot and was taken to a hospital. His current condition remains unclear.
Police added that a suspect believed to have shot the driver fled the scene on foot and may be armed with a silver revolver. As of Saturday morning, no arrests have been made, and the motive behind the crash is still under investigation.
