RCMP has announced an investigation following an incident in which a vehicle collided with the entrance of the emergency room at Cowichan District Hospital in Duncan, located on Vancouver Island.
Officers responded to the scene around 7:40 p.m. PT on Saturday, discovering a black Chevrolet Traverse SUV embedded in the hospital’s doors.
Images quickly spread across social media, appearing to depict the vehicle positioned inside the ER waiting area.
According to RCMP, the driver, a 42-year-old woman, reportedly assaulted two paramedics who arrived to assist her, resulting in one paramedic suffering minor injuries.
Island Health released a statement confirming that no injuries were reported among hospital staff or patients.
In British Columbia, paramedics are employed by B.C. Emergency Health Services rather than the hospital itself.
The driver was subsequently subdued and taken into custody under the Mental Health Act.
Island Health is currently evaluating the impacted area, with a representative stating there is no significant structural damage to the facility.
Temporary doors have been put in place, and patient access remains unaffected, as reported by the spokesperson.
The health authority has confirmed that the emergency department is still operational for individuals requiring urgent medical assistance.
At this time, there is no information regarding when permanent repairs will commence or the anticipated costs associated with them.
“We are extremely grateful for the prompt response from all Island Health staff involved and the support from North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP,” the statement from Island Health expressed.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to reach out to the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.