Police are currently investigating a car accident at Cowichan District Hospital in Duncan, Vancouver Island. The incident occurred around 7:40 p.m. PT on Saturday when a black Chevrolet Traverse SUV crashed into the hospital entrance doors. Images of the vehicle inside the hospital’s emergency room circulated on social media shortly after. The driver, a 42-year-old woman, reportedly assaulted two paramedics who came to help her, resulting in minor injuries to one of them.
Fortunately, no hospital staff or patients were harmed during the incident. The driver was later subdued and taken into custody under the Mental Health Act. Island Health confirmed that there was no lasting structural damage to the building. Temporary doors have been installed in the affected area, ensuring that patient access remains unaffected.
Paramedics in British Columbia are not hospital employees but are part of the B.C. Emergency Health Services. Island Health is currently assessing the situation, and the emergency department continues to provide medical care to those in need. The health authority has not provided a timeline for permanent repairs or estimated costs.
Island Health expressed gratitude for the quick response of their staff and the support from the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the local RCMP authorities.
