A devastating crash outside a popular music venue in East Hollywood early Saturday left at least 30 people injured, including seven in critical condition, after a vehicle mounted the sidewalk and struck a crowd of people, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The incident occurred around 2 a.m. near the intersection of North Vermont Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard, just as patrons were leaving the Vermont Hollywood — a nightclub that had hosted a night of reggaeton and hip-hop DJs.

According to fire officials, the driver of a small hatchback struck a taco stand before ramming into the group gathered outside the club. Witnesses say panic erupted as the vehicle tore through the crowd.

“It was chaos,” said Capt. Adam VanGerpen of the Los Angeles Fire Department. “The vehicle hit a food vendor and then collided with a large number of people standing on the sidewalk.”

Bystanders reportedly pulled the driver from the vehicle and began assaulting him before law enforcement arrived. Emergency responders soon discovered the driver had sustained a gunshot wound. He was transported to a nearby hospital; his current condition has not been made public.

Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether the crash was intentional. Police are also working to determine the source of the gunshot wound and are actively searching for a potential shooter believed to have fled the scene.

In total, 23 victims were transported to local hospitals. In addition to the critically injured, at least six others were reported to have sustained serious injuries.

Officials have not yet released the identity of the driver or any possible suspects. The investigation is ongoing.