A tragic incident unfolded at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center on Tuesday when a car crashed into the hospital’s emergency room, resulting in the death of the driver and injuries to five others, including a child with life-threatening injuries.
The collision occurred shortly after 5:30 p.m., as the vehicle plowed into the lobby of the ER, leaving significant damage in its wake. Despite efforts to resuscitate the driver, they succumbed to their injuries upon arrival at the hospital.
Authorities reported that five individuals in the ER lobby sustained injuries, with one receiving treatment on-site and four others, including two children, being transported to different hospitals for further care. Among the transported patients, one child was critically injured, while an adult suffered serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. The remaining victims had non-life-threatening injuries, according to Capt. Christa Stedman of Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services.
Dr. Peter DeYoung, the hospital’s chief medical officer, confirmed that the ER doors sustained damage and an aquarium inside was impacted by the crash. However, the overall condition of the building remained stable. While the ER was unable to accept ambulances, it continued to receive walk-in patients who were directed to a makeshift triage area at the ambulance bay.
St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, equipped with a 24-hour emergency department, offers a range of medical services, including maternity care, women’s health services, and various specialties such as heart and brain surgeries and robotic surgery.
