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
New Hampshire police shooting suspect Matthew J. Masse killed in gunfight after massive manhunt

Manhunt Ends: New Hampshire Shooting Suspect Matthew J. Masse Killed in Armed Confrontation

Authorities have confirmed that a man suspected of shooting a New Hampshire…
Son of Hollywood director accused of years of sexual, racial abuse of water polo teammate at ritzy prep school

Hollywood Director’s Son Faces Allegations of Prolonged Sexual and Racial Abuse at Elite Prep School

An elite private school in Los Angeles is at the center of…
Coast Guard helicopter rescues 4 from broken-down yacht caught in 12-foot waves off Long Island: heart-stopping video

Dramatic Video Captures Coast Guard Helicopter’s Heroic Rescue of Four Individuals from Disabled Yacht in 12-Foot Waves off Long Island

In a dramatic rescue operation, a Coast Guard helicopter crew saved four…
War in Iran: Amazon, UPS, FedEx, USPS add temporary fuel surcharges to offset extra costs

Major Delivery Services Implement Temporary Fuel Surcharges Amid Iran Conflict to Manage Rising Costs

In San Francisco, the escalating conflict involving Iran has led to increased…
Video shows teens take over Chicago streets as mayor warns of ‘trends’ that can turn ‘deadly’

Mayor Cautions Against Deadly Trends as Teens Dominate Chicago Streets in Viral Video

Last week, Chicago’s streets and sidewalks were swarmed by a large number…
American woman Lynette Hooker missing in Bahamas after going overboard during boat ride with husband identified

Search Intensifies for Missing American Lynette Hooker After Mysterious Overboard Incident in Bahamas

An American woman, passionate about sailing and adventure, remains missing after falling…
President Trump speaks following rescue of missing US airman in Iran

President Trump Addresses Nation After Successful Rescue of Missing U.S. Airman in Iran

The White House stirred anticipation on Monday by hinting at what it…
Disgusting video shows living hell left by extreme squatter – and vile message he left on the walls

Shocking Footage Reveals Severe Damage Caused by Squatter, Along with Disturbing Messages Left Behind

A California property owner has gained widespread attention online after sharing the…
Repeat offender with 19 felonies busted after wild caught-on-camera chase: police

Notorious Felon with 19 Convictions Captured in Thrilling High-Speed Pursuit: Watch the Unbelievable Footage

A repeat offender with a history of violence is once again in…
The three words downed airmen told rescuers that left them fearing they were headed into Iranian trap

Rescued Airmen’s Cryptic Message Sparks Fear of Iranian Ambush

A U.S. Air Force colonel, whose identity remains undisclosed, faced a harrowing…
Michigan basketball fans set dozens of fires after team wins first national championship in 37 years

Michigan Basketball Fans Ignite Celebrations: Dozens of Fires Erupt After Historic National Championship Victory

Excitement swept across Michigan as college basketball enthusiasts ignited couches and hay…
Scammer 'Little Tiger' nailed in insanely brazen scheme — after appearing in viral YouTube clip

Infamous Scammer ‘Little Tiger’ Exposed Following Viral YouTube Video Appearance

A Chinese national who became widely recognized after a YouTube sting operation…