RCMP is currently conducting an investigation following an incident where a vehicle collided with the entrance of Cowichan District Hospital’s emergency room in Duncan on Vancouver Island. The police were called around 7:40 p.m. PT on Saturday and discovered a black Chevrolet Traverse SUV stuck in the hospital’s doors. Social media quickly shared images suggesting the car was inside the ER waiting room.
The driver, a 42-year-old woman, reportedly attacked two paramedics who came to her aid, causing minor injuries to one of them. Fortunately, no hospital staff or patients were harmed in the incident. It was clarified that the paramedics in British Columbia are not employed by the hospital but by B.C. Emergency Health Services.
Subsequently, the driver was subdued and taken into custody under the Mental Health Act. Island Health confirmed that the building did not sustain any lasting structural damage, with temporary doors already put in place to ensure patient access remains unaffected. The health authority assured the public that emergency medical care services at the hospital are still operational.
The assessment of the affected area is ongoing, and the cost and timeline for permanent repairs have not been determined yet. Island Health expressed gratitude for the quick response of their staff and the assistance provided by the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP. Those with relevant information are urged to reach out to the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.