Updated 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22
No injuries were reported at a Monday morning wreck after a Jeep drove fully into a medical building near North Fifth Avenue.
Battalion Chief Chris Turner with Clallam County Fire District 3 reports that just before 9:30 a.m. Sept. 22, the SUV’s driver with a passenger drove into the front of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health – Cardiovascular at 541 Eureka Way in Sequim.
The driver and passenger were not transported for any injuries, he said.
An uninjured employee was briefly trapped inside the building by debris at his desk.
A neighboring business employee said the collision sounded like an earthquake, while another said it sounded like several metal canisters falling down.
Another nearby employee saw the collision and said it felt like everything went into slow motion.
Firefighters secured the awning, and worked with Evergreen Towing employees and Sequim Police officers to remove the vehicle safely.
First responders report that while collisions with buildings aren’t uncommon in Sequim, this is the first to go fully into a building in a long time.
Theresa Craw, vice-president of Ambulatory Operations for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, said they were relieved no one was injured in the incident.
She said the clinic will be temporarily closed while they assess damage and determine next steps.
“Patient care remains our top priority, and we are actively working to minimize disruption,” Craw said.
“Patients with scheduled appointments will be contacted directly by their care team to reschedule or discuss alternative care options, if needed.”
Craw said they’re collaborating with the fire department, Virginia Mason’s facilities team, and local authorities to secure the site and ensure the safety of neighboring clinics.
Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Firefighters support an awning at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health – Cardiovascular on Sept. 22 after a Jeep, pictured, was driven into the building. First responders and tow truck drivers worked to remove the SUV from the space about 30 minutes later.
Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ A Jeep was towed from a wreck on Sept. 22 after it drove into a medical building.
Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ A Jeep drove into Virginia Mason Franciscan Health – Cardiovascular on Sept. 22 trapping its driver, passenger, and an employee inside the building.
