Police are currently investigating a car crash incident at Cowichan District Hospital’s emergency room in Duncan on Vancouver Island. The incident occurred around 7:40 p.m. PT on Saturday when a black Chevrolet Traverse SUV crashed into the hospital entrance. Images of the vehicle inside the ER waiting room circulated on social media shortly after.
The driver, identified as a 42-year-old woman, reportedly assaulted two paramedics who came to assist her, resulting in minor injuries to one of them. Luckily, no hospital staff or patients were harmed during the incident. Paramedics in British Columbia are not hospital employees but are part of B.C. Emergency Health Services.
The driver was eventually apprehended under the Mental Health Act. Island Health has confirmed that there is no significant structural damage to the building and temporary doors have been put in place. Patient access has not been impacted, and the emergency department remains fully operational for those requiring medical attention.
Island Health expressed gratitude for the swift response from their staff and the assistance provided by the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP. Permanent repairs have not yet commenced, and the cost and timeline for the repairs remain undetermined. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP for further assistance.