Van smashes through P.E.I. hospital doors
CBC News
Posted: Feb 7, 2012 1:43 PM AT
Last Updated: Feb 7, 2012 1:41 PM AT
The van crashed through the hospital doors, ending up in the lobby. (Charlottetown police)A 63-year-old man is facing several charges after a van rammed through the front doors of Charlottetown's Queen Elizabeth Hospital Monday night in what police are calling a deliberate act.
Police said a van driven by Joseph Andrew Gallant of Johnstons River plowed through the automatic doors at the new entrance to the hospital and came to rest in the lobby, shortly after 10 p.m.
Nobody was hurt. Gallant appeared in court in Charlottetown Tuesday morning. He faces two charges of dangerous driving and one charge of damage to property endangering life.
Police said Gallant had not been drinking.
Accused driver Joseph Andrew Gallant leaves court Tuesday. (CBC)"Right now we don't have a motive. We still have several people to interview at the hospital and the investigation is ongoing. It may take some time before we have a clear picture," said deputy police chief Gary McGuigan.
"You are driving a motor vehicle through the front doors of the major hospital in P.E.I., things could have been tragic."
McGuigan said police are treating the crash as a deliberate act.
Hospital officials are relieved no one was hurt and are trying to ensure something like this can't happen again. There are barriers in front of the doors.
The van drove through the existing barriers in front of the hospital doors. (Laura Chapin/CBC)"We are reviewing the placement of barriers outside the front entrance. Obviously this vehicle was able to manoeuvre between the pylons," said hospital executive director Rick Adams.
"We are certainly looking at that. And we will be looking at other areas around the perimeter of the hospital as well."
Gallant is scheduled to appear in court again Friday.
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