Rabat — A vehicle recklessly drove into a crowd in East Hollywood, Los Angeles in the early hours of Saturday morning, injuring at least 28 people.
The LA fire department (LAPD), which quickly rushed to the scene, reported that the unidentified vehicle left at least three in critical condition on Santa Monica Boulevard, where the incident took place.
The LAPD public information officer Captain Van Gerpen the vehicle, identified as a Nissan Versa, rammed into a line of people waiting to enter a nightclub — majority of them female — before hitting a taco truck and valet stand.
The officer also told reporters that the paramedics discovered that one of the patients had a gunshot wound, adding that he’s still unidentified.
The LA police department said in a statement that the driver had reportedly been removed from a nearby business before he got into the vehicle and drove into the crowd. Upon the incident, the driver got out of the vehicle and was reportedly attacked by bystanders before fleeing the scene. Police added that he had reportedly sustained a gunshot wound.
Before the emergency crews came to the incident scene, people got out of the club to help the victims.
The incident occurred in an area close to popular destinations, including Sunset Boulevard and the Walk of Fame, the sidewalk decorated with stars celebrating film personalities.
The area remains under investigation as authorities piece together what led to the early morning incident that injured dozens of people in one of Los Angeles’ busiest entertainment districts.
LA’s Mayor Karen Bass expressed sadness following the tragic incident. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” he said, adding, “The hearts of Angelenos are with all of the victims impacted this morning — a full investigation into what happened is underway.”
A witness from inside the nightclub told reporters that they heard a “loud bang,” prompting a crowd of people to duck, believing there were gunshots.
“We look out the club, and it’s a car into the hole right there,” he said. “And then it’s crazy, because people everywhere, laying down, unconscious, people, bleeding out and stuff.”
Police remain in an ongoing investigation to find out what were the surrounding circumstances and motives of the crime.
