Medical staff at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, Massachusetts are treating 17 patients after an SUV crashed through the window of an Apple Store in Hingham, some of whom have life-threatening or limb-threatening injuries.
First responders said the SUV smashed through a plate glass window at the Derby Street Shops in Hingham, struck multiple people and pinned some customers against the wall. One man was killed.
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The hospital was first notified of the mass casualty incident around 11 a.m. Dr. Jason Tracy, chair of emergency medicine, said they received 17 patients in 45 minutes - 16 who were transported, and one who walked in after the crash. There were "all types of injuries that you'd expect from trauma like this," Tracy said, some significantly worse than others.
A hospital spokesperson confirmed Tuesday morning that two more patients were taken to Boston hospitals directly from the Hingham scene, for a total of 19 people injured.
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The Hyannis Fire Department confirmed Monday night that one of its firefighters, who was off-duty, is undergoing treatment after being seriously injured in the crash.
Some of their staff were able to respond to the scene to help triage and treat patients there before taking them to the hospital. They used a neighboring restaurant to keep victims out of the cold while they worked on them until they could be taken to the hospital.
The hospital called in additional surgeons and support staff to handle the influx.
"The team did an incredible job we were very fortunate to be able to have our team on scene communicating to us what we should expect," Tracy said.
Injuries ranged from serious head traumas to what Dr. William Tollefsen, EMS medical director, described as "mangled limbs." His colleague Dr. Christopher Burns, the chief of trauma, added that some patients had life-threatening and limb-threatening injuries. He declined to comment on whether any amputations had taken place.
There is no word on if any patients have been released at this point. Families have been arriving at the hospital for information.
John DiNanno's daughter was at work at the Apple store. He was among the family members who were waiting for updates. His daughter has a hand injury.
"She was seated outside the building, she was in one of those foil solar-type blankets and then they moved her inside to some sort of trauma center at Barnes and Noble, but no she seemed in some sort of shock. You can only imagine. One day it’s a routine day at work and the next thing a car comes crashing through the side of the building," he said.
Tracy said he was "beyond proud" of how his team responded and coordinated with first responders to get patients treated as quickly as possible.
PHOTOS: Car Slams Through Apple Store at Derby Street Shops in Hingham
The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office announced Tuesday morning that the driver, identified as 53-year-old Bradley Rein, has been arrested and is facing a charge of reckless homicide by motor vehicle.
The criminal investigation is ongoing.
