A woman is in custody after a vehicle crashed through the emergency room entrance of Cowichan District Hospital in Duncan on Saturday night.
According to North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, policewere called to the hospital at approximately 7:40 p.m. on October 25th after receiving a report of a black Chevrolet Traverse that had driven into the hospital’s emergency entrance and stopped inside the waiting room.
Police say two paramedics who were nearby attempted to check on the 42-year-old driver but she allegedly assaulted one of them causing minor injuries. Hospital staff restrained the woman who was later apprehended under the Mental Health Act.
No other injuries were reported among patients visitors or hospital staff.
Island Health confirmed in a statement that the crash caused damage to the emergency entrance but that the building’s foundation was not structurally compromised. Temporary doors were installed shortly after and staff were stationed at the entrance to assist patients.
“The emergency department remains open safe to access and people should not hesitate to seek care at CDH if they require emergency medical attention,” Island Health said.
Witnesses described the incident as chaotic but praised staff for their calm and professionalism.
“We were 30 feet from this,” said Paul Bland who was in the emergency area when the vehicle came through. “The staff were professional and compassionate on all levels. They had the scene secured fast cleaned up and had a new door up. The main thing is nobody was hurt.”
Another witness Kendall Hide said that the driver had been at the hospital earlier in the day and that the crash appeared intentional though police have not confirmed that detail.
RCMP say the investigation remains ongoing to determine the cause of the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522.
