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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Police: Driver suffered medical emergency in Seattle crash

This photo provided by the Seattle Fire Department shows the scene of a van crash Thursday in Seattle. Authorities say a few people were sent to hospitals after the van left the street and hit a building. (Uncredited / Associated Press)
Associated Press

SEATTLE – Authorities say it appears the driver of a shuttle van that struck a downtown Seattle building Thursday and injured several pedestrians had a medical emergency and lost control of the vehicle.

The accident happened just before noon. The vehicle jumped the sidewalk and struck a Gap store. The vehicle was a shuttle express van, which ferries passengers throughout the metro area.

Assistant Police Chief Marc Garth Green said the vehicle did not accelerate and there was “nothing obvious to make this an intentional act or deliberate.”

Authorities say six people were injured.

Harborview medical center said it received five patients – including one in critical condition. Four others were in serious condition.

The van driver was hospitalized but the driver’s condition wasn’t immediately known.

Seattle police were investigating.