(Los Angeles) A vehicle rushed on a crowd waiting to enter a nightclub along a lively boulevard in Los Angeles, California, early Saturday, injuring 30 people, encouraging passers -by to attack the driver, according to the authorities.
A few hours later, the Los Angeles police said the driver had been injured. She was looking for an alleged armed man who fled the premises.
He was not clearly clear if the driver had been reached before or after going to the crowd, said a spokesperson for the Los Angeles police department.
Among the injured, 23 people were transported to local hospitals and trauma centers. At least three people were in critical condition during their transport to the hospital, police said.
The victims were struck along boulevard Santa Monica in East Hollywood, the fire fighting service in the city of Los Angeles said in a statement.
Photo Damian Dovarganes, Associated Press
A line of people-mostly women-were waiting to enter the establishment when they were struck by a Nissan Versa vehicle which also struck a stand in Hot-Dog and a valet position, said Captain Adam Van Gerpen, head of public information for firefighters.
“People were all in line to enter the nightclub. There was a stand there (…) They had food, while waiting to enter. There was also a line for the valet, said Van Gerpen. The valet podium and the food stand were struck, then a large number of people were hit by the vehicle. »»
Photo Damian Dovarganes, Associated Press
Police questions people who were inside the nightclub The Vermont.
The people who were inside the club came out during the impact to help the victims, while waiting for the arrival of help.
The driver, injured by bullet, was transported to hospital. Police did not identify it or revealed their state of health.
As for the shooter, the man wore a blue sweater and a silver revolver, according to the description provided.
“This is the subject of a police investigation,” said Van Gerpen. “It will be a big investigation with the LAPD,” he added, referring to the police department of the city of Los Angeles.
The club where the drama took place, Vermont Hollywood, organized a reggae/hip-hop music event from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., according to its online programming. The company had not returned the call of the agency The Associated Press which left a voice message, at least when writing these lines.
Maria Medrano, the employee who worked at the food stand outside, said that a fight had broken out in front of the club before the event.
Shortly after, the car hit a group of people outside, according to Mme Medrano.
She said that she and her husband, who sold hot dogs outside the nightclub, just escaped while their stand was crushed by the vehicle.
“The car stopped once it hit the hot dog stand, it was stuck there,” said Mr.me Medrano to The Associated Press from the hospital. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here to tell (the story). »»
Maria Medrano said she had heard what seemed to be shots after the accident. It was then that “everyone started running”.
