Marcus Erikson|Texas emergency room’s aquarium likely saved lives when car smashed through wall, doctor says

2025-05-03 16:21:27source:Esthencategory:My

AUSTIN,Marcus Erikson Texas (AP) — A large aquarium in the lobby of a Texas emergency room likely saved lives when it absorbed the impact of a car that smashed through the entrance, a hospital official said Wednesday.

The crash Tuesday evening at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center killed the driver and injured five other people, including two children, including one who suffered life-threatening injuries.

“The vehicle had direct impact to a very large aquarium that really, I believe, saved lives,” Dr. Peter DeYoung, the hospital’s chief medical officer, said at a news conference with police and city emergency officials.

The crash is still being investigated, but there is no indication that it was intentional or that the driver had a medical episode right before it happened, police spokeswoman Ariel Crumes said.

Police identified the driver as Michell Holloway, 57. She was pulled from the car and received CPR, but died in the ER. Authorities declined to provide an update on the conditions of those who were injured.

Photos showed a silver sedan with a mangled front end sitting entirely inside the lobby. Video showed a chaotic scene of patients scrambling amid smoke and water.

The smoke came from the vehicle’s tires as the wheels were still spinning on the floor tile, DeYoung said. The water was from the aquarium, he said.

“It was in drive and running, and they put their lives in harms way and stopped it from running, and did their best to preserve life,” DeYoung said, referring to hospital staff.

More:My

Recommend

Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — Jamie Foxx required stitches after getting hit in the face with a glass

Luka Doncic bounces back, helps Mavericks hand Thunder first loss of NBA playoffs

Following Dallas' blowout loss to Oklahoma City in Game 1 on Tuesday, Luka Doncic was asked what cau

Colorado-based abortion fund sees rising demand. Many are from Texas, where procedure is restricted

DENVER (AP) — A Colorado abortion fund said Thursday it’s helped hundreds access abortion in the fir