‘Chaotic. Glass everywhere’: Witness details scene after car crashes into medical building
For those inside a Myrtle Beach medical facility, Thursday went from typical to chaos in a split second.
A car collided into the front doors, causing the entire building to shake. Some inside felt the vibrations but weren’t sure what happened. That is when the calls for medical help started.
“Chaotic. Glass everywhere,” said a medical professional who was inside and ran to help. She declined to provide her name. ”Multiple patients on the floor being helped by medical staff.”
At least four people were hurt after a Red GMC Terrain slammed into the front doors, near the elevators, at 945 82nd Parkway around noon, police said. One person who was inside died in the collision, police confirmed. The Horry County Coroner’s Office has not identified that victim.
Others were taken to nearby Grand Strand Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Seconds after the collision, The witness said there was shock and sadness among the staff. But, she added, everyone was trying to help the injured, while avoiding the falling glass and debris.
“Everyone came together and made the injured patients the priority before the ambulances got there,” the witness said. “So there wouldn’t be a delay in care. (So) they could be put on stretchers and taken to the hospital.”
Firefighters arrived minutes after the 911 calls and helped treat the injured. Crews from the Myrtle Beach Fire Department, Myrtle Beach police and Horry County Fire Rescue responded to the scene. The building is home to several Carolina Health Specialists offices and dozens of other medical offices.
Myrtle Beach police Cpl. Thomas Vest said they don’t know why the car crashed into the building. The witness said the incident appeared to be an accident.
About two hours after the crash, a tow truck took the GMC Terrain from the scene as police and fire crews concluded their investigation at the scene. Fire crews worked to ensure the building was structurally sound.
“I’m sad for all involved,” the witness noted. “Just glad I could help and hoping the office staff is doing OK since they are not used to that type of incident. Medical offices don’t normally deal with car accidents.”
