Crash horror as 'vehicle ploughs into crowd' with 20 injured and 5 fighting for life

A vehicle has ploughed into a crowd of people in Los Angeles, according to emergency services, leaving at least 31 injured and others fighting for their lives. As many as seven people are reportedly in a critical condition, with a further six in a serious condition. Footage from the scene shows a number of people lying injured on the road next to a smashed grey car on the pavement.

Emergency services were quick to respond to the scene after an "unknown" car smashed into a taco cart outside of a nightclub. LA Fire Department captain Adam Van Gerpen said there were "approximately 31 patients" being treated and rushed to hospital. The fire service added: "LAFD is coordinating patient triage and transport at this time."

Speaking to reporters at the scene, the captain said: "This morning, about 2am, firefighters were dispatched out to a traffic accident.

"On arrival, they found that we had a multi casualty incident with a number of victims on scene. Our firefighters quickly realised we had a large number of patients so we called for additional resources.

"Apparently somebody lost consciousness inside the vehicle and drove into a taco cart and then ultimately ran into a large number of people that were outside a club in East Hollywood.

"Right now we have a total of approximately 31 patients. All of those patients are in the process of being treated and transported and evaluated.

"We have reports that there was a gunshot wound in one of the patients. There was a patient inside the vehicle and they were able to extricate that patient."

The vehicle drove into a crowd near the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Vermont Avenue. Shocking images from the scene on social media show numerous responders treating people on the side of the road.

In the footage, debris can be seen strewn across the street as officers frantically rush to help those in need. A string of fire engines and police vehicles lined up down the street.

Sergeant Travis Ward, central traffic division watch commander at the Los Angeles Police Department, said an investigation was ongoing, adding that it was too early to say if the incident was intentional.

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