LOS ANGELES (AP) – In a shocking incident early Saturday, a vehicle crashed into a crowd outside a performance venue in East Hollywood, injuring at least 30 people. The event took place along the bustling Santa Monica Boulevard as attendees waited to enter the Vermont Hollywood, where a reggae-hip hop event was scheduled from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

According to police reports, the vehicle, identified as a Nissan Versa, barreled into a line of mostly female patrons, subsequently striking a food vending cart and a valet stand. Fire Capt. Adam VanGerpen, a public information officer, described the scene as chaotic, stating that bystanders rushed to assist the injured until emergency crews arrived. Of the victims, 23 were transported to hospitals, with seven reported to be in critical condition.

This tragic incident escalated when it was discovered that the driver of the vehicle had also sustained a gunshot wound. The circumstances remain unclear, with police investigating whether the driver was shot before or after the crash. The immediate aftermath saw a suspect described as a man in a blue jersey wielding a silver revolver fleeing the scene.

The chaos unfolded as a fight reportedly broke out outside Vermont Hollywood prior to the vehicle's arrival. Maria Medrano, a hot dog vendor who was present with her husband, recounted the harrowing moments when the car struck their stand. She expressed gratitude for their narrow escape, stating, "If not, I wouldn’t be here to tell the story." In the wake of the crash, Medrano noted hearing what sounded like gunshots which prompted a frantic response from the crowd.

In the continuing investigation led by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), officials are piecing together details of the incident, including the motive behind the driver’s actions and the shooter’s identity. As information emerges, the severity of the injuries sustained by the victims underscores the need for community safety measures, especially in areas frequently hosting large events.

This incident marks another alarming occurrence in urban areas where large crowds gather, prompting discussions on public safety and emergency response readiness. The community watches closely as police work diligently to bring any responsible parties to justice while offering support to the victims and their families during this difficult time.