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
14-year-old charged with murder of 12-year-old in Atlanta home shooting, police say

14-Year-Old Accused in Fatal Shooting of 12-Year-Old at Atlanta Residence, Authorities Report

A young boy, just 12 years old, was tragically shot while in…
Kash Patel trolls Eric Swalwell with FBI sitdown invite as Dems deny knowing disgraced rep lived 'double life'

Kash Patel’s Bold Move: Invites Eric Swalwell to FBI Meeting Amid Controversial Spy Allegations

WASHINGTON — On Monday evening, FBI Director Kash Patel extended a pointed…
Roblox changes rules for young users as California-based company faces lawsuits

Roblox Updates Policies for Young Users Amid Ongoing California Lawsuits

Roblox is intensifying its safety measures, but some argue it might be…
California exodus strikes again as homebuilding giant pulls out

Major Homebuilder Exits California Amid Ongoing Population Shift

Another major company is waving goodbye to California. KB Home has revealed…
Exclusive Excerpt—Rep. Elise Stefanik: ‘Poisoned Ivies: The Inside Account of the Academic and Moral Rot at America's Elite Universities’

Rep. Elise Stefanik Exposes Elite University Scandals in New Book ‘Poisoned Ivies

In an exclusive excerpt from Rep. Elise Stefanik’s latest book, “Poisoned Ivies:…
Gen Z hacker Matthew Lane 'thankful that I got caught' after PowerSchool student data breach impacts thousands in Chicago area

Chicago Schools Data Breach: Gen Z Hacker Matthew Lane Expresses Gratitude for Being Caught

A significant data breach has compromised the personal information of thousands of…
Portage, Indiana 'senior assassins' game: Adrian Williams facing felony charge for intimidation near Planet Fitness, police say

Portage, Indiana Teen Charged with Felony for Intimidation in ‘Senior Assassins’ Game Incident Near Planet Fitness

In Portage, Indiana, a seemingly innocuous high school game led to an…
Trump administration agrees to keep flying rainbow Pride flag at New York's Stonewall monument

Trump Administration Upholds Historic Decision to Fly Rainbow Pride Flag at Stonewall Monument

The Trump administration has made the decision to continue displaying a rainbow…
Nick Shirley slams California bill, claims it would stop videos exposing fraud

California Bill Controversy: Nick Shirley Criticizes Potential Ban on Fraud-Exposing Videos

On Monday, conservative influencer and YouTuber Nick Shirley voiced strong opposition to…
Humiliating report reveals LA wildfire victims trapped in a rebuild 'nightmare'

Devastating Report Uncovers Rebuild ‘Nightmare’ Facing LA Wildfire Victims

The ambitious plans to swiftly rebuild fire-damaged areas of Los Angeles were…
'#SKYKING' director on the true story of a man who stole a commercial airplane for one last joyride

Unveiling the Thrilling True Story Behind ‘#SKYKING’: The Man Who Stole a Commercial Jet for a Final Adventure

In a tale that captivated the nation back in 2018, the story…
Hochul accuses trial lawyers of lying to block her plan to lower NY car insurance costs

Hochul Claims Trial Lawyers Mislead to Halt Plan for Reduced NY Car Insurance Rates

Governor Kathy Hochul has taken a firm stand, accusing the influential trial…