Several critically injured in LA after vehicle driven into crowd, emergency services say | BBC News

Key Concepts:

• Vehicle-ramming incident
• Mass casualty event
• Santa Monica Boulevard, East Hollywood
• Musical venue
• Injury severity: critical, serious, fair
• LA Fire Department

Incident Overview:

In the early hours of the morning, around 2:00 a.m. local time, a vehicle was driven into a crowd on Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood, Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reported that over 20 people sustained injuries.

Location Details:

The incident occurred on Santa Monica Boulevard, a well-known and heavily trafficked area in East Hollywood. The specific location was outside a musical venue where people were waiting in line to enter. East Hollywood is characterized as a densely populated area with a mix of residential and commercial spaces, including numerous bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

Casualty Report:

The LAFD reported the following injury breakdown:

• 4-5 individuals in critical condition
• 8-10 individuals with serious injuries
• 10-15 individuals in fair condition

Some of the injured were conscious and communicative at the scene. All injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Vehicle Description and Action:

The vehicle involved was described as a small gray car. The car mounted the pavement (sidewalk) and struck individuals who were queuing to enter the musical venue.

Response and Assistance:

Bystanders and members of the public, both inside and outside the venue, immediately responded to assist the injured.

Official Description:

The LAFD has characterized the event as a "traffic incident" resulting in multiple injuries.

Conclusion:

A vehicle-ramming incident on Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood resulted in over 20 injuries, with varying degrees of severity. The incident occurred outside a musical venue, impacting individuals waiting in line. Emergency services and bystanders provided immediate assistance to the injured. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.