News Summary
A driver deliberately rammed his vehicle into a crowd outside The Vermont Hollywood nightclub, injuring at least 30 people and leaving several in critical condition. Witnesses described the chaotic moments leading up to the incident during a reggae and hip-hop event. The driver, who had been ejected from the club shortly before the crash, drove onto the sidewalk and collided with bystanders. The local community is grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, prompting investigations into the driver’s actions and the shooter who injured him during the chaos.
Chaos Erupts at Vermont Hollywood Nightclub: Vehicle Rams Into Crowd
In a shocking display of violence early Saturday morning, a driver deliberately rammed his vehicle into a crowd outside The Vermont Hollywood nightclub in East Hollywood, Los Angeles. This distressing incident unfolded around 2 a.m., just moments after the popular venue had closed for the night.
Casualties and Injuries
The crash resulted in at least 30 individuals suffering from injuries, with a significant number, seven to be exact, reported to be in critical condition. Many of the victims were clubgoers mingling outside while others included valet attendants and food vendors who were present during the chaotic scene.
Witnesses noted that approximately 23 victims were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment as emergency responders raced to the scene, managing to assist in the critical minutes following the collision.
A Terrifying Scene Unfolds
Witnesses who were present at the nightclub described the moments leading up to the incident as chaotic. People were enjoying themselves at a reggae and hip-hop event when, out of nowhere, they heard a loud bang that sent them scrambling. Some initially thought they had heard gunfire, but it turned out to be the sound of the Nissan Versa barreling into bystanders. Video footage captured the aftermath, displaying a grim scene with victims lying bloodied on the pavement, prompting horror among everyone present.
Driver’s Identity and Actions
The driver, a 29-year-old male named Fernando Ramirez, had been escorted out of the club by security about eight minutes before the horrific crash. Following his removal, he drove his Nissan Versa onto the sidewalk, colliding with unsuspecting bystanders, a valet stand, and a taco stand, creating utter chaos.
Amidst the panic, it was reported that bystanders confronted Ramirez and physically attacked him. In the midst of the altercation, he was shot in the buttocks by an unknown assailant who fled the scene. Authorities are currently on the lookout for this shooter, described as a bald Hispanic man about 5’9″ tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds, seen wearing a blue jersey and potentially armed with a silver revolver.
Investigation and Community Reaction
As investigators piece together the details of this tragic event, they are looking into whether Ramirez may have lost consciousness before the incident, although this report couldn’t be confirmed. Local officials, including the mayor, have expressed their sadness over the event, labeling it as a heartbreaking tragedy. Community members are left grappling with the faint traces of fear and confusion in the wake of such violence in a place that is usually a beacon of nightlife and entertainment.
The nightclub has since postponed an event that had been scheduled for the same night, recognizing the profound impact this accident has had on both staff and patrons. Authorities are continuing their investigation, aiming to get to the bottom of what led to this dreadful incident.
As the community seeks to recover from this shocking event, a collective hope lingers for the swift healing of the injured and the return of peace to a location that has always brought joy and entertainment to many.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC7 News
- CBS News
- Los Angeles Times
- BBC News
- Fox 32 Chicago
- Wikipedia: Car Accidents in the United States
- Google Search: Los Angeles nightclub incident
- Google Scholar: Vehicle crowd accident Los Angeles
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Incident
- Google News: East Hollywood nightclub vehicle incident
