14 February 2024 , 02:31
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Pictures of the devastating crash into a Texas emergency room tonight, which killed one and injured five others, show a chaotic scene as medical staff are seen helping the patients as billowing smoke filled the waiting area.
The ER is reportedly closed to ambulances and EMS, but walk-ins are still welcome. The incident, which occurred late Tuesday afternoon at St. David's North Austin Medical Center, was deemed a "level four mass casualty" event by local fire and rescue officials - the driver is also dead. Pictures of the medical center's interior at the time of the crash depict a precarious scene as ER staff appear to be helping bystanders through thick, billowing smoke.
The vehicle, appearing to have rammed through the main doors to the ER, sits lodged into the wall in a dilapidated state with the front windshield completely shattered.
READ MORE: Texas hospital crash: Driver dead while two children critically injured
The crash was deemed a "level four mass casualty" incident by local fire and rescue officials (RawsAlerts)Others shows small groups of visitors seemingly being directed by a worker in blue scrubs. The people wade through the smoke and the numerous pieces of broken furniture on the floor to get to safety. Local law enforcement officials have not offered further details into the cause of the incident.
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At least ten individuals were sent to hospitals, according to the agency's first report, and one adult received CPR on the spot. Two adults and two children were reportedly taken to nearby hospitals, according to a later report.
A medical staff member appeared to be directing individuals in the ER waiting room to safety (RawsAlerts)"There is no threat to the general public," the Austin Police Department stated in a social media statement. This occurrence does not seem to have been the result of deliberate action, based on the first information and data that have been gathered thus far." The nature of the collision was not further described.
The events leading up to the crash are unclear (RawsAlerts)Governor Greg Abbott of Texas announced that he had extended to Austin Mayor Kirk Watson the entire backing of the state. Abbott posted on social media, saying, "State employees are collaborating closely with local officials to ensure Austin has no unmet needs."
The wrecked vehicle was seen lodged into the wall (Getty Images)To make room on the roadways for ambulances and medical personnel, police asked the public to avoid 12221 North Mopac. The incident prompted about eight ambulances, four commanders, three medical directors, two PAs, three Community Health Paramedics, two division chiefs, a public information officer, and a designated medical officer to rush to the scene. At least two children and one adult had to be hurried to Deli Children's Medical Center.
Law enforcement authorities advised the public to stay away from the area (RawsAlerts)The Austin Police Department offered an update later into the night, saying ""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. APD officers continue to assist our first responder partners, and the investigation is ongoing."