One person was killed and at least five others injured when a vehicle crashed into a medical center in Austin, Texas, authorities said Tuesday.
The vehicle crashed into the emergency room at St. David's North Austin Medical Center, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services said in a social media post.
Austin EMS Chief Robert Lucritz said at a news conference Tuesday night that authorities received a call about the crash at 5:38 p.m. local time.
Emergency crews found five people at the scene. One person was pronounced dead after being removed from the vehicle and CPR performed. Dr. Peter DeYoung, the hospital's chief medical officer, confirmed at a news conference that the person was the driver of the vehicle.
Two children and two adults were taken to area hospitals. One child and one adult were in critical condition, Lucritz said.
DeYoung said the four injured people were in the ER lobby when the vehicle accident occurred. A fifth injured person was treated at the scene. Eight people who were being treated at the facility at the time of the crash were later taken to area hospitals so St. David's Hospital staff could “decompress” them.
Officials said there were no details about the cause of the accident, but detectives were investigating.
Austin Police Department earlier said in a social media post: “There is no threat to the general public. Based on preliminary information and details gathered at this time, this incident does not appear to be an intentional act.” .
“The building itself appears to be in good condition and we are very thankful that there was no impact on operations outside of the emergency department,” DeYoung said, adding that he left the facility 15 minutes before the crash and then turned back. I turned around and went back.
DeYoung said the ER will continue to accommodate walk-ins, but will no longer accept ambulances at night.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he has offered Austin Mayor Kirk Watson the state's full support. “State officials are working closely with local officials to ensure there are no unmet needs in Austin,” Abbott said on social media.
