A hospital employee killed after an Ohio man "intentionally" crushed a truck in an emergency department

A hospital employee was killed and another injured Friday when a man collided with his pickup truck in the emergency room of a medical center in Ohio, announced authorities.

Truck driver Raymond Leiendecker has also been injured and faces a charge of murder, the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office said.

The accident occurred around 10 am at the Diley Ridge Medical Center at Winchester Canal, about 20 kilometers southeast of Columbus, when Leiendecker drove his vehicle through the doors of the theater. emergency, the authorities announced.

Deputy Chief Alex Lape said that shortly before the accident, Leiendecker had voluntarily requested a psychological assessment, but left him against medical advice.

He then climbed into his truck, crossed the parking lot of the Diley Ridge Medical Center and drove to the emergency room, according to Lape. Authorities say the crash was intentional.

Officials have not yet identified the hospital employee who was killed. The condition of the other worker is not known, but Lape said that he did not think his life was in danger.

The Mount Carmel Health System said in a statement posted on its website that the hospital would be "closed due to structural damage".

"The authorities are there and we will provide updates when the details are available," reads the statement.

Mount Carmel Acting CEO Michael Englehart offered his condolences to the family of the employee who was killed and said that advice would be available for Diley Ridge workers.

"We are very sad to announce the loss of one of our Diley Ridge employees today. Our hearts go to their family and friends. And we pray for them in this extremely difficult time, "he said in a statement to WCMH, affiliated with NBC, in Columbus.

Leiendecker, 45, has also been hospitalized for injuries and will be transferred to prison once released, Lape said.