Police and firefighters encountered a driverless taxi blocking their path as they raced to a fatal explosion scene. Bodycam footage captured a police officer urging the Waymo taxi to move as emergency responders were en route to a serious fire caused by an explosion in an apartment building. The incident, which resulted in the tragic deaths of an 18-month-old baby, his mother, and a civil rights activist, occurred in Dallas, Texas.
Upon realizing the taxi was driverless, Dallas County Deputy Constable Jonathan Banda attempted to contact a remote Waymo agent to move the vehicle. After some delay, the Waymo staffer acknowledged the issue and allowed the officer to drive the taxi to clear the road for emergency vehicles.
In a statement, Waymo emphasized its commitment to safety and cooperation with law enforcement and first responders. The company assured that while the incident was being resolved, the street remained accessible to other vehicles, underscoring their dedication to facilitating emergency responses effectively.