Elderly Driver Crashes Into N.D. Hospital

Monday, October 24, 2005 7:15:59 PM

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - An elderly woman on her way to a doctor appointment smashed her car into the hospital's lobby, sending five women to the emergency room, police said.

The 87-year-old driver, Ruth Otto, of Mandan, also was injured when she sideswiped the building and a car before cruising through a glass wall, Bismarck Police officer Dave Horner said.

"It was total chaos," Horner said. "There were so many people there that we didn't know who had been hit and injured, or who the witnesses were."

He said it was fortunate that so many doctors and nurses were nearby.

Medcenter One spokesman Chuck Bartholomay said two women were in serious condition and one was stable. He said three women, including a coffee stand worker, were treated and released.

Horner said it was unlikely any charges would be filed against the driver.

Bartholomay did not have an estimate for damage to the hospital.