Parkland Employee Killed By Shuttle Bus
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) -Dallas police want to know what caused a shuttle bus driver to crash into two hospital employees walking to work Friday Morning.
Police say 61-year-old Randal Dygert, a registered nurse, died from his injuries.
Dygert and a female employee at Parkland Hospital were crossing Harry Hines at Medical District around 7 am when they were hit.
Police say the shuttle bus, operated by the private company 'Buses By Bill', was in route to drop a patient off when the vehicle struck the pedestrians.
Authorities say the bus dragged the man about 50 yards before coming to a stop.
Hospital workers say the intersection can be very dangerous.
"You got people walking back and forth all day. It's like New York down here. People coming into work people coming in to visit people. It's always bad, " said Parkland employee Aaron Newbill
Parkland Hospital's President released a statement about the incident:
"We are deeply saddened to report that Randal Dygert, RN, 61, a long-time and much-beloved employee of Parkland Health & Hospital System, died today as the result of injuries sustained in a traffic accident at the intersection of Harry Hines Blvd. and Medical District Drive," said Fred Cerise, MD, MPH, Parkland's President & CEO.
"Randall served as a nurse at Parkland for 33 years," Dr. Cerise added. "He was well known throughout the system and touched the lives of many employees and patients. He represented what is best about Parkland employees. He will be dearly missed."
A second employee injured in the accident is being treated at Parkland.
Parkland officials stated that a prayer service was held at the hospital chapel at noon today to bring together grieving staff members to pray for the victims and their families. Parkland's Pastoral Care staff met with employees throughout the day to offer grief counseling, and counselors will be available in the coming days to assist employees affected by this tragedy.
"We continue to hold the families and colleagues of both of these valued employees in our hearts and prayers," Dr. Cerise said.
Buses by Bill, Inc also released a statement Friday:
Buses by Bill Inc. wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the man who died in this accident. We are also taking whatever steps are necessary to make sure the injured woman receives excellent medical care.
Buses by Bill places the safety of our passengers, pedestrians and other drivers that we share the road with as our highest priority. We are working closely and fully cooperating with the Dallas Police Department and law enforcement agencies as they determine why this accident took place.
Buses by Bill Inc. is a member in good standing in the American Bus Association, a Washington D.C based national trade association that promotes motorcoach safety.
The female employee injured is expected to recover.
Police say it is too early in the investigation to know if the shuttle bus driver should face criminal charges.
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