One dead, dozens hurt as car crashes into crowd on Las Vegas Strip

LAS VEGAS, USA – At least one person has died and more than 37 have been hurt after a car ran into a group of pedestrians on the bustling Las Vegas Strip Sunday, December 20, police said, adding the driver was in custody.

Several of those injured are in critical condition, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said.

The incident occurred on same night that Las Vegas was hosting the Miss Universe pageant, which saw the crowning of Miss Philippines. 

“Over 37 injured in crash on Las Vegas Blvd, one person is confirmed deceased, several still critical. Driver is in custody,” police tweeted.

The injured were taken to area hospitals. 

CNN, citing fire officials, reported that seven people were in critical condition and that it was still unclear if the incident was an accident or intentional.

It said the driver was undergoing several tests, including for alcohol.

Local media outlet 8 News NOW reported that the driver was a woman and that the crash occurred shortly after 6:30 pm local time between Planet Hollywood, where the Miss Universe pageant took place, and the Paris Las Vegas Hotel.

Citing a witness, it said that some men tried to stop the car.

The suspect initially left the scene, it reported.

Police would only say that an investigation was under way.

Cars were being diverted near the Paris Las Vegas hotel, where the Strip was shut down as first responders rushed to the chaotic scene, according to CNN. 

Live footage showed the usually bustling Strip taped off and closed to traffic as police examined the scene. – Rappler.com