At least 31 people were injured when a vehicle crashed into a nightclub in Los Angeles, USA, on the morning of Saturday, July 19, with Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Captain Adam Van Gerpen saying later that one victim was reported to have been shot.
According to the LAFD, the incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood near the intersection of Vermont Avenue, where the vehicle collided with pedestrians.
The Context
Oaks Law Firm data shows that 302 people died in traffic accidents in Los Angeles in 2024, down from 345 in 2023.
What To Know
Following the horrific incident, the LAFD said seven people were in critical condition, six in serious condition, and 10 others in “fair” condition, adding that the department is currently coordinating patient testing and transport.
Speaking at the scene, LAFD Captain Van Gerpen said, “were all standing in line going into a nightclub. There was a taco cart out there, so they were…getting some food, waiting to go in.”
“And there’s also a valet line there. The valet podium was taken out, the taco truck was taken out, and then a large number of people were impacted by the vehicle,” Van Gerpen added.
The captain said initial investigations showed the driver lost consciousness before colliding with a large crowd outside the nightclub.
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The captain added that reports indicated an individual—likely the driver—was also shot, although “we haven’t confirmed that yet.”
The captain said the person inside the vehicle was able to be extracted.
Meanwhile, according to The Sun, there have been unconfirmed reports that shots were fired just before the vehicle crash.
Newsweek’s reporting contributed to this article.