(ReliableNews.org) – A tragedy happened in Austin, Texas, on February 13, when a vehicle crashed into a hospital. One person died in the accident and five others suffered injuries. Officials are now crediting an aquarium with saving more lives.
The Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services issued an alert on social media after the accident, stating a car slammed into the emergency room at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 57-year-old Michelle Holloway, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two children and one adult were transported to the Dell Children’s Medical Center. One of the kids and the adult had non-life-threatening injuries, and the other one had “potentially serious injuries.” First responders transported another adult to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center with “potentially life-threatening injuries.” A third adult was also taken to another medical center for treatment.
The Austin Police Department stated that it doesn’t appear Holloway intended to crash into the hospital. There’s also no indication at this time that she suffered from a medical emergency that caused her to crash into the building. Authorities are still investigating what happened to cause the accident.
The Associated Press reported that Dr. Peter DeYoung, the chief medical officer at North Austin Medical, said he believed the aquarium in the hospital “saved lives.” Holloway hit the tank head-on, allowing the tank to absorb a significant amount of impact from the vehicle.
After the accident, the hospital diverted ambulances to other facilities but took walk-in patients. The only department impacted by the crash was the emergency department. DeYoung told the press that the hospital was in “good condition.” The accident caused damage to the exterior of the building and the doors.
Photos of the accident scene showed the mangled vehicle sitting completely inside the lobby. Law enforcement is continuing its probe.
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