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
Why John Harbaugh’s Giants restoration probably won’t happen overnight

Why John Harbaugh’s Giants Revamp Needs Time: Unpacking the Challenges

The New England Patriots, crowned AFC Champions, are inspiring the New York…
AOC, Omar and other ‘Squad’ reps among the 53 House Dems that voted against reaffirming Iran as a terror sponsor

AOC, Omar, and Fellow ‘Squad’ Members Join 53 House Democrats in Opposing Resolution to Reaffirm Iran as a Terror Sponsor

This week, a notable division emerged among House Democrats as Representatives Alexandria…
Deadly unprovoked shark attacks rise 125% globally in 2025: study

Global Shark Attacks Surge by 125% in 2025: New Study Reveals Alarming Trend

In 2025, the peril posed by shark attacks escalated significantly, with a…
Teens inspired by ‘Scream’ recorded ‘first kill’ plot before stabbing classmate to death

Chilling ‘Scream’ Imitation: Teens Documented Murder Plot Before Fatally Stabbing Classmate

Two teenagers transformed their fascination with slasher films into a horrifying reality.…
Troy Murray, former NHL star and Chicago Blackhawks analyst, dies at age 63

Farewell to a Legend: Remembering Troy Murray, NHL Star and Beloved Blackhawks Analyst

Former NHL player and cherished Chicago Blackhawks analyst, Troy Murray, has passed…
Pro- and anti-Khamenei protesters clash at Washington Square Park, multiple arrests made

Tensions Flare as Pro-Khamenei and Opposition Protesters Confront Each Other at Washington Square Park; Arrests Follow

A tense encounter erupted at Washington Square Park on Friday, leading to…
Asif Merchant convicted in US political assassination plot he tied to Iranian paramilitary

US Court Convicts Asif Merchant in Political Assassination Scheme Linked to Iranian Forces

NEW YORK — A Pakistani entrepreneur was found guilty on Friday for…
Casting nominee reacts to Oscars' first new category in 25 years

Oscars Unveil Groundbreaking New Category: Casting Nominee Shares Exclusive Reaction

As the Oscars ceremony unfolds this March 15, audiences will be greeted…
Iranian Yak-130 erupts in flames.

Stunning Footage: IDF F-35I ‘Adir’ Triumphs Over Iranian Fighter in Dramatic Tehran Skies Encounter

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have released a dramatic video showing an…
Pakistani terrorist recruited by Iranian spies convicted of plotting to kill Trump, other US pols in harebrained plan foiled by feds

Iranian Spy Plot to Assassinate Trump and US Politicians Thwarted: Pakistani Terrorist Convicted in Federal Sting

A Pakistani man, recruited by Iranian intelligence, was sentenced on Friday for…
The violent history behind 18th Street, LA's most notorious gang

Unveiling the Dark Legacy: Inside the Violent History of LA’s Infamous 18th Street Gang

Known infamously as “Barrio 18,” the 18th Street gang stands among the…
'Tax the Middle-Class?' Mamdani’s DSA pals want to up NYC taxes for more than the ultra-rich

NYC Tax Proposal: DSA Pushes for Middle-Class Inclusion in Tax Reforms

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have long championed their “Tax the…