AUSTIN, Texas — Police identified the driver killed after a car crashed into St. David's North Austin Medical Center.
According to Austin police, 57-year-old Michelle Holloway died at the medical center after the car she was driving crashed into the emergency room late Tuesday afternoon. Texas DPS confirmed Holloway was an employee with the Driver License Division.
Five other people were also hurt in the crash, including two juveniles who were in the waiting room. They were taken to different hospitals for treatment following the crash. Officials were unable to provide updates on the conditions of all the patients, however, APD said some of the injuries were serious, but not life-threatening.
The sound of a roaring rumble to a loud crash and screaming was the scene before Michelle Cruz, who was in the waiting room a half-hour before a car crashed through the doors.
"It was such an intense experience, and it'll take a while to get the sounds of everyone's screams off of my head, just because it was so loud," Cruz said. "Seeing the change in people's emotions, and then part of my brain goes to like, you know, 'Are they going to be OK?' And what's happening to them afterwards? It created ... This immediate panic."
APD detectives are still investigating the speed of Holloway's car, as they look at videos and talk to witnesses. But it's an event Cruz can never forget.
"It is an overwhelming thing," Cruz said.
On Wednesday, the hospital confirmed it was still open and that it would take walk-ins as usual. Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Peter DeYoung said the building remains in "good condition" after the crash.
The incident is being investigated as Austin's seventh deadly crash of 2024, resulting in seven deaths for the year.
The following statement was released on behalf of St. David's North Austin Medical Center:
"St. David’s North Austin Medical Center is grateful for the swift efforts of our first responders. The safety of our patients and their families, as well as our employees, remains our No. 1 priority.
"St. David's North Austin Medical Center has resumed normal operations and is open to EMS transports once again. While the hospital’s North entrance remains closed, visitors and staff may enter through the Children’s Hospital, Women’s Center, South, East and West entrances. Patients who are arriving for surgery are being asked to enter through the hospital's West entrance.
"Representatives of the hospital’s employee assistance program and chaplains will be on site today to provide emotional and mental health support to those who need it."
Gov. Greg Abbott pledged the state's support in a statement on social media on Tuesday night:
"I’ve spoken with Mayor Watson about the tragic accident at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center & offered Texas’ full support. State personnel are working closely with local officials to ensure Austin has no unmet needs. Cecilia & I pray for the victims & their loved ones."