In a shocking incident early this morning, a driver plowed his car into a crowd outside a nightclub in East Hollywood, injuring at least 30 people. The chaos erupted just before 2:00 AM on the busy stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard, leaving witnesses in disbelief and first responders racing to the scene.
The driver, identified as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, reportedly accelerated into the crowd, prompting immediate panic and confusion. Eyewitnesses described a scene reminiscent of a disaster movie, with screams and chaos as people tried to escape the oncoming vehicle. “We heard a loud bang, and it was just madness,” recounted one witness, who was only five people away from the impact.
As the dust settled, emergency services arrived swiftly, treating victims with injuries ranging from minor to critical. Among the injured, several were transported to local hospitals, with at least one person undergoing surgery. The nightclub, Vermont Hollywood, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing their commitment to safety.
In the aftermath, an enraged crowd pulled Ramirez from his car and assaulted him. During the fracas, shots were fired, and police are now searching for the individual responsible for the shooting. Ramirez is currently in custody, facing charges that could include assault with a deadly weapon and attempted murder.
Authorities are investigating the motive behind this horrifying act and are urging anyone with information to come forward. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the focus remains on the victims and their recovery. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will follow as more details emerge.