A devastating incident unfolded early Saturday on Santa Monica Boulevard when a Nissan Versa crashed into a busy crowd waiting to enter a nightclub, injuring 30 people, at least three critically, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The vehicle struck a group of mostly female partygoers lined up outside the club, also colliding with a nearby taco truck and valet stand, said Cpt. Adam VanGerpen, the fire department’s public information officer. Emergency responders quickly transported victims to local hospitals and trauma centers.

Among the injured, paramedics discovered one patient with a gunshot wound, adding a layer of complexity to the incident. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has launched a large-scale investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash, which remains under active investigation.

Images from the scene show scattered debris, including shoes, across the roadway, with surrounding areas cordoned off as emergency crews responded. Partygoers inside the nightclub rushed out to assist victims before first responders arrived, VanGerpen noted.

“They were all standing in line, getting food from a taco cart and waiting to go in,” he said. “The valet podium and taco truck were also hit, impacting a large number of people.”

The LAPD has not released further details as the investigation continues. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. (ILKHA)