In the early hours of July 19, chaos erupted outside the famed nightclub, The Vermont Hollywood, when a car plowed through a crowd, leaving at least 30 people injured, several critically. The Vermont Hollywood, long known for its bustling nightlife, became the scene of a massive emergency response following the terrifying incident.
Details of The Vermont Hollywood Tragedy
The incident took place shortly after 2 a.m. along Santa Monica Boulevard near Vermont Avenue. According to authorities, a vehicle drove up the sidewalk, struck a taco cart and valet stand, and barrelled through people who were waiting to enter The Vermont Hollywood club.
Emergency personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department, along with 124 responders, swiftly arrived at the scene to triage and transport injured victims to local trauma centers. Among those hurt, seven are reported in critical condition, with at least six in serious condition and others treated for moderate to minor injuries. A staggering 30 people required medical attention, and the majority of those affected were women waiting outside the club with friends.
Key Points Summary: The Vermont Hollywood Incident at a Glance
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | July 19, ~2:00 AM |
| Location | The Vermont Hollywood, Santa Monica Blvd & Vermont Ave |
| People Injured | 30+ |
| Critical Condition | 7 |
| Serious Condition | 6-10 |
| Fair/Minor Injuries | 10-15 |
| Driver Status | Shot, in surgery |
| Cause (Initial Reports) | Possible loss of consciousness; investigation ongoing |
What Happened Outside The Vermont Hollywood
Witnesses described a scene filled with confusion and panic as the car, after careening onto the sidewalk, collided with partygoers gathered at the venue’s entrance. The front of the vehicle ended up heavily damaged amid debris, with law enforcement cordoning off the area as emergency crews assisted injured victims.
Accounts suggest the crash may have been preceded by a scuffle outside The Vermont Hollywood. Some reports indicate there was a gunshot shortly before or during the collision, although details remain unconfirmed. The Los Angeles Police Department stated that after the crash, a bystander apparently used a revolver to shoot the driver, who was then pulled from the damaged vehicle and rushed to the hospital in critical condition for a gunshot wound.
The majority of injuries occurred outside the club, with victims waiting for entry, standing in the valet line, or ordering from a taco cart. The quick response from the club’s staff and patrons—who rushed to help the injured even before emergency crews arrived—likely made a considerable difference for the wounded.
The Scene and Ongoing Investigation
The Vermont Hollywood and nearby streets were quickly closed off to traffic as first responders attended to victims and investigators arrived to piece together the events. Police say the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Early reports suggest the driver may have lost consciousness, but authorities have not ruled out other possible factors.
One of the key questions revolves around whether the crash was accidental, the result of a medical emergency, or tied to a broader altercation outside The Vermont Hollywood. Law enforcement is continuing to examine surveillance footage and interview witnesses as the investigation develops.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
The Vermont Hollywood, a popular destination for locals and tourists, has been the center of attention since the incident. Many residents and clubgoers have expressed shock and concern about safety outside late-night venues on busy East Hollywood streets, especially after an incident of this scale.
Critical injuries, the presence of a shooting, and large-scale emergency response have raised fresh questions about nightlife safety and city preparedness. Many in the local community are seeking updates as police continue their investigation.
Maria, a regular at the club, summed up the shock felt by many:
“You hear about car accidents, but seeing something like this outside The Vermont Hollywood feels unreal. Everybody was just out to have a good time.”
As updates continue to unfold, readers are encouraged to check back for the latest information and share their thoughts on this shocking event. How do you feel about public safety and nightlife in your area? Join the conversation below.