Ambulances diverted, patient delays after 4WD crashes into Victor Harbor hospital

At least four people were injured and patients have been hit by delays after a 4WD ploughed into the Victor Harbor hospital. Watch the incredible crash footage.

A car has gone through a wall at South Coast District Hospital. Picture: ABC / Caroline Horn

Ambulances were diverted from the South Coast District Hospital while repairs continue after a 4WD ploughed into the building on Wednesday morning.

Diversions to other hospitals were in place until about 5pm Wednesday, and the building has been secured.

Police were called to Bay Rd, Victor Harbor after reports a Holden Jackaroo collided with a Tesla before crashing into the side of the hospital just after 9am.

Two office areas were affected by the crash with the hospital’s recovery area, theatre and Ward A hit by dust and smoke.

A car has gone through the wall at South Coast District Hospital. Picture: ABC / Caroline Horn

In a statement to The Advertiser, Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network chief executive officer Bronwyn Masters said most hospital services were expected to resume on Thursday.

“Some patients may still be affected and they will be contacted by hospital staff to make alternative arrangements,” Ms Masters said.

“Three patients who had minor injuries this morning have been discharged while the driver of the Holden has been transferred to Flinders Medical Centre for further treatment.”

Ms Masters said support was being provided to staff, while police investigate the incident.

“Staff have done a magnificent job of cleaning up following the crash this morning and continuing to care for patients,” she said.

Naomi Hames, whose mum Anne Hames was in the hospital room and on the phone to her when the car came into her room. Picture: Keryn Stevens

In dashcam footage obtained by 7NEWS, the Holden could be seen crashing into the Tesla then veering off the road, before it slammed into the hospital’s office.

The 61-year-old male driver from Encounter Bay, was assessed by hospital staff at the scene.

He was among four people treated for minor injuries on site, including a staff member, passenger and first responder, who was also treated for smoke inhalation.

Naomi Hames, whose mum Anne Hames was a patient at the hospital, said she got the shock of her life when she received a call from her mum from inside the hospital to say she was “being pulled from the rubble”.

7NEWS has extraordinary vision of the moment a four-wheel-drive collided with a Tesla then ploughed into a Victor Harbor hospital. #7NEWSpic.twitter.com/cyLJGGSmfY

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) August 21, 2024

Ms Hames told The Advertiser it was “extremely lucky” the car did not hit a patient or any staff as the car penetrated through the exterior wall and deep into the building.

(The car) went straight through the nurses’ station and straight through mum’s wall – they pulled her bed out of the rubble, they pulled her out of the rubble,” she said.

“There was dust everywhere, she’s a huge asthmatic so they were trying to cover her as she has massive breathing problems – it sure was interesting this morning.”

Ms Hames said she also had friend in the chemotherapy unit having an injection.

“The alarms went off right as she was having it – they couldn’t do anything but she couldn’t be evacuated right away – it was chaos.”

Ms Hames said she understood patients were all being moved from the hospital to an old St Johns building.

She said her mum was in shock but doing “okay”.

The Holden crashed into the side of the hospital just after 9am. Picture: ABC / Caroline Horn

A car ploughed into an office area. Picture: ABC / Caroline Horn

The crash caused a trail of destruction. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Emergency services personnel survey the damage. Picture: Keryn Stevens

A huge hole has been left in the hospital wall. Picture: Keryn Stevens

The damaged Holden is towed away from the scene. Picture: ABC / Caroline Horn

The hole left in the wall of the hospital after the car crash. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network chief executive Bronwyn Masters said all patients and staff were safe.

“We have 47 patients at the hospital who are all in safe areas of the hospital away from impacted areas,” she said.

“We are supporting staff on site who are understandably shaken but are continuing their care for patients.

“We will continue to update the community as progress is made, while supporting SAPOL and their investigation into the crash.”

Patients should seek alternative care wherever possible, however those requiring urgent care should continue to present to the hospital’s emergency department or call triple-0, she said.

Visitors are also advised to contact the hospital prior to arriving on site.

MFS and SES removed the car from the hospital wall and police investigations are continuing to determine the cause of the incident.

The operations of the hospital have remained unaffected.