Video shows self-driving Waymo car blocking emergency vehicles during deadly Austin shooting
Share this @internewscast.com

A video recently emerged showing a self-driving Waymo taxi obstructing emergency vehicles during a crucial response to a tragic mass shooting at a bustling bar in downtown Austin. The incident unfolded early Sunday morning, raising concerns over the reliability of autonomous vehicles in emergency situations.

Matthew Turnage, who had just left a local club at around 2 a.m., had ordered an Uber to get home. As he reached West 6th Street and Nueces Street, he noticed the Waymo vehicle stuck at the spot. This location was alarmingly close, merely two minutes away, from where a gunman had opened fire at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, tragically claiming two lives and injuring 14 others, according to KXAN reports.

“We had just exited a club and were heading to get a ride home. Our Uber ride happened to be a Waymo car, and when we reached it, we found the car stuck in the middle of the street, inadvertently blocking emergency vehicles for a few minutes,” Turnage recounted to the news outlet.

The recorded footage highlights the autonomous Waymo taxi, without a driver, immobilized across the road while an ambulance waited for it to clear the path. The video further shows the taxi slowly maneuvering forward and eventually turning into what seemed to be a parking garage entrance. However, by that time, the ambulance had already reversed to seek an alternative route.

Despite this hiccup, emergency responders acted swiftly, with medics arriving at the scene just 57 seconds after the first call was made at 1:59 a.m., according to officials. This rapid response underscores the dedication and efficiency of emergency services, even amidst unforeseen challenges posed by new technology.

Emergency personnel responded rapidly to the incident, and medics were on scene within 57 seconds of receiving the initial call at 1:59 a.m., officials told the outlet.

Riders within 133 square miles of Austin — from North Austin to Downtown to Manchaca — have been able to access driverless Waymo vehicles for their Uber journeys since January, according to an Uber press release.

The driverless cars — which are in several US cities — have been subject to much scrutiny after a slew of mishaps, including striking a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica and a near-collision with a family in Los Angeles.

Police responded to reports of a male shooter at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden — near the University of Texas-Austin — just before 2 a.m., officials said at a press conference.

The shooter, later identified as Ndiaga Diagne, 53, of Senegal, was killed minutes after the carnage by responding cops. The FBI has been probing the incident as a possible act of terrorism.

“There were indicators that on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism,” Alex Doran, a special agent with the FBI’s San Antonio field office, told reporters.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Teen accused of stabbing pregnant woman 70 times tries to nap in back of police cruiser after arrest

Teen Suspect in Stabbing Case Attempts to Sleep in Police Car After Arrest

A man from Illinois, charged with the brutal murder of a pregnant…
Boat goes across freeway

Unstoppable Boat Trailer Mishap: Driver Flees Scene After Crossing Median on Busy California Freeway

A dramatic scene unfolded on a California highway when an unmanned boat…
Declan Coady, youngest of six US soldiers killed in Iranian drone strike in Kuwait called his brother hours before death

Declan Coady, the youngest among six US soldiers killed in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait, reached out to his brother just hours before the tragic event.

In a tragic turn of events, Declan Coady, the youngest among six…
Construction set to begin on Grand Avenue from Ogden to Damen; West Town businesses want plan changed, Chicago says it's too late

Grand Avenue Construction Controversy: West Town Businesses Call for Change Amid Chicago’s Unyielding Timeline

As Chicago embarks on the second phase of its Grand Avenue redevelopment…
Man who opened fire near Santa Clarita school emerges pantless after standoff

Pantless Suspect Surrenders Following Santa Clarita School Shooting Standoff

A gun-wielding individual unleashed chaos near a Southern California elementary school, eventually…
Midlothian burglary: 4th break-in at Anna's Gaming Cafe at 147th Street, Kilbourn Avenue damages business; 3 arrested, police say

Fourth Break-In Hits Anna’s Gaming Cafe on 147th Street; Trio Arrested in Midlothian Burglary Spree

MIDLOTHIAN, Ill. — A gaming cafe in the southern suburbs has been…
Austin bar shooting bodycam due out as DA makes major call about cops who shot suspected terrorist

Bodycam Footage from Austin Bar Shooting to be Released as DA Announces Key Decision on Officers Involved in Shooting Suspected Terrorist

The bodycam footage from the Austin mass shooting, which is under investigation…
Rep. Jasmine Crockett endorses opponent James Talarico — but won't 'make plans' to campaign for fellow Dem

Rep. Jasmine Crockett Backs James Talarico but Remains Noncommittal on Campaigning

In Dallas, Representative Jasmine Crockett extended her endorsement to James Talarico on…
LA City Hall showdown over $1.3B homeless spending debate

Intense Debate Unfolds at LA City Hall Over $1.3 Billion Homelessness Budget

“Get me off this merry-go-round from hell,” expressed Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez with…
Severed head, limbs found in Bali believed to belong to kidnapped son of wealthy Ukrainian businessman

Human Remains Discovered in Bali May Belong to Kidnapped Son of Prominent Ukrainian Businessman

A gruesome discovery in Bali has been linked to the son of…
Cuba blackout leaves millions without power

Widespread Power Outage Leaves Millions in Cuba Without Electricity

Havana and other parts of western Cuba were plunged into darkness on…
Courtney Love teases a Hole reunion tour

Rock Legends Reignite: Courtney Love Hints at Epic Hole Reunion Tour

Courtney Love and Melissa Auf der Maur are hinting that their grunge…