A Car has slammed into a hospital’s emergency room in Austin, leaving one person dead and at least five injured.
Horrific photos show a crumpled wheelchair and debris covering the lobby after the crash at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center in Texas.
The Austin Fire Department and Austin-Travis County EMS raced to the hospital at 5:38 pm on Tuesday and quickly declared a level four mass casualty with 20 to 49 patients.
A paramedic was giving one person CPR when first responders got there and medical personnel started triage as they rushed to help the wounded.
Authorities said at an 8 pm news conference that the driver was pulled from the wrecked car and died in the emergency room.
Five people who were in the lobby at the time of the crash were wounded, including two children and two adults who were rushed to other hospitals.
One child had life-threatening injuries and an adult had serious injuries.
Eight patients who were being treated at the ER before the crash were being transported to another hospital.
Shocking photos from the scene showed the car inside the hospital with debris strewn all over the lobby.
WATCH: Car crashes into emergency room at Austin, Texas hospital. At least 10 injured pic.twitter.com/u8uGuAw5uh
— BNO News (@BNONews) February 14, 2024
The front of the vehicle was destroyed and a wheelchair could be seen crumpled next to broken glass and rubble.
The Austin Fire Department asked drivers to avoid the area to give first responders space to work.
As of now, it is unclear what caused the crash but it did not appear to be intentional, cops said.
The Austin Police Department wrote, “There is no threat to the general public.
“Based off preliminary information and details gathered at this time, this incident does not appear to be an intentional act.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott released a statement offering the state’s support following the crash.
“I’ve spoken with Mayor Watson about the tragic accident at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center & offered Texas’ full support.
“State personnel are working closely with local officials to ensure Austin has no unmet needs. Cecilia & I pray for the victims & their loved ones,” Abbott wrote on X.
