30 Injured as Vehicle Hits LA Nightclub Crowd/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A vehicle slammed into a crowd outside a Los Angeles nightclub early Saturday, injuring 30 people, including at least three critically. Victims were waiting in line near a taco truck and valet stand along Santa Monica Boulevard when the crash occurred. One individual was also found with a gunshot wound, prompting a major LAPD investigation.
Los Angeles Nightclub Crash: Quick Looks
- 30 people injured after car drives into nightclub crowd
- At least three victims in critical condition
- Incident occurred on Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood
- Crowd included mostly women waiting in line for entry
- Taco truck and valet stand were also struck
- One victim found with a gunshot wound
- First responders praised bystanders for helping victims
- Crash scene under LAPD investigation as a major case
- Incident happened early Saturday morning
- Exact motive or cause of crash still unknown
Deep Look: Los Angeles Nightclub Crash Injures 30 in East Hollywood
Deep Look
LOS ANGELES — A devastating crash rocked East Hollywood early Saturday morning when a vehicle barreled into a crowd of people standing outside a popular nightclub on Santa Monica Boulevard. At least 30 people were injured in the incident, including three in critical condition, according to the Los Angeles City Fire Department.
The crash occurred just after midnight as partygoers waited to enter the club, some grabbing food from a nearby taco truck and others gathered around a valet stand. According to officials, the scene turned chaotic in seconds as the vehicle careened through the area, flattening structures and striking dozens of people.
Emergency Response and Injuries
Capt. Adam Van Gerpen, spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department, confirmed that victims were rushed to nearby hospitals and trauma centers. Emergency responders quickly set up triage zones to stabilize the wounded.
“Paramedics arrived to find multiple people down,” Van Gerpen told reporters. “There was a line of people—mostly women—waiting to go into the club. The taco cart, the valet stand… it was all taken out by the car.”
Among the injured, first responders discovered one victim had suffered a gunshot wound, prompting further questions about whether the incident was part of a broader violent episode.
“This is now a major police investigation,” Van Gerpen said. “It’s going to be an extensive operation with the LAPD taking over the lead.”
Scene Description and Witness Reports
The collision occurred in the heart of East Hollywood, a lively nightlife district known for its clubs, food stands, and high weekend foot traffic. Witnesses described a horrific scene of screaming, overturned metal, and bodies strewn across the pavement.
“It was chaos,” one bystander told local news outlets. “People were running, crying, trying to help each other. The taco truck was mangled.”
Before emergency crews arrived, club patrons and staff rushed outside to help the injured. Their quick actions likely saved lives, officials said.
“The community response was immediate and heroic,” Van Gerpen noted. “People didn’t wait — they jumped in to help.”
Investigation Underway
The Los Angeles Police Department is now leading the investigation into what caused the vehicle to plow through the crowded scene. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the incident was accidental, intentional, or connected to the reported gunshot wound.
Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from surrounding businesses, speaking to witnesses, and analyzing the vehicle for evidence. No arrests or suspects had been announced as of Saturday morning.
The identity of the driver and whether they remained on the scene is still unconfirmed.
Community on Edge
The incident has sparked concern among Los Angeles residents, especially in neighborhoods where nightlife activity draws large weekend crowds. Local officials are now facing pressure to ensure pedestrian safety in high-traffic areas.
Santa Monica Boulevard was closed for several hours as investigators worked the scene, and a temporary memorial of candles and flowers began to form nearby by sunrise.
Official Statements
City leaders have yet to make a formal statement, but the mayor’s office indicated via social media that they are monitoring the situation and in contact with law enforcement and emergency services.
The Los Angeles Fire Department is expected to release a full report after further analysis, and the LAPD has asked anyone with video footage or information to come forward.
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