Family members of the 82-year-old woman who suffered critical injuries after being trapped under a Jeep that crashed into a northwest London, Ont., mall are sharing their thoughts for the first time.
Barbara Lauckner needed to be rescued from beneath the vehicle after it smashed through the rear wall of Sherwood Forest Mall at around 7:40 a. m. on June 12, injuring six people who were participating in a group exercise class at the mall’s Good Life Fitness.
“Her family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all the first responders, the gym members who jumped in to assist with the rescue, and the hospital staff who have cared for Barbara during this tragedy,” read a statement from Lauckner’s family, issued Friday morning.
“We are deeply grateful for everything you have done.”
Lauckner’s family chose not to comment further but mentioned in their statement that they were thinking of other gym members who were hurt and those who witnessed the crash, which created a large hole in the brick wall of the shopping center.
A week after the incident, police reported that four people had been released from the hospital, while one remained in critical condition and two others were listed as fair and good. Their current status is unclear.
The swift actions of bystanders and first responders have received praise in recent weeks, even during London city council meetings.
At the beginning of council’s June 23 meeting, London Mayor Josh Morgan highlighted Mia L’Heureux’s response-an off-duty paramedic with Middlesex-London Paramedic Services (MLPS) who happened to be at the gym that morning.
Londoners react after vehicle plows through wall of shopping mall
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“Seeing a cloud of dust and debris, she ran towards the scene where she found multiple people injured, including a woman trapped beneath a vehicle that had crashed through a wall. Without hesitation, Mia stepped forward to help,” Morgan said.
“Recognizing the immediate danger, including the vehicle leaking fluids, the risk posed by the vehicle remaining in gear, and the dangerous position of debris surrounding the trapped woman, Mia acted quickly to protect her and those nearby.”
L’Heureux put the vehicle in park, began directing bystanders and staff to assist her efforts; when police arrived, she collaborated with officers to move it away from Lauckner. Morgan noted her actions showed all that’s best about being a paramedic as well as being part of this community: courage, professionalism, compassion and readiness to serve others whenever help is needed.
Mia Honored Two Days Later
A 59-year-old woman named Jennifer Lynn Hopper was arrested following this incident; she’s facing six counts related criminal negligence causing bodily harm.
This same individual suffered serious injuries herself during crash too Police previously indicated there may be evidence suggesting she accelerated into building-but there’s no signs indicating it was terror-related whatsoever.
Court appearance scheduled July twenty-one.
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