BEAUMONT — Fast action by employees at the Beaumont VA Outpatient Clinic helped safely evacuate patients and staff moments before part of the building’s roof collapsed during severe weather Monday morning.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the clinic was operating under normal business conditions when heavy rainfall caused the roof to begin sagging. Staff quickly recognized the potential danger and initiated an evacuation.
Pedro Leon, the clinic’s nurse manager and an Army veteran, began directing employees and patients toward building exits while Clinic Director Dr. Shanthi Reddy and other staff members assisted with the evacuation. Within minutes, the facility had been cleared.
Shortly after the last occupants exited, the roof collapsed. No injuries were reported.
VA officials credited the employees’ training, teamwork and quick decision-making for preventing what could have been a far more serious incident.
Among those recognized for their actions were Will Angelle, Latrecia Garrett, Pedro Leon, Dr. Shanthi Reddy and Jose Estrada.
“We are incredibly proud of our staff,” said Lindsey Crain, deputy director of the Houston VA. “Their training and their instincts took over, and because of that everyone walked out safely.”
The building sustained extensive structural and water damage and will remain temporarily closed while repairs are completed. Despite the closure, officials said medical care for the clinic’s more than 10,000 enrolled veterans will continue.
VA employees contacted patients with scheduled appointments to arrange alternative care, including telehealth visits when appropriate. Temporary modular medical units are being installed in the clinic’s parking lot and are expected to begin serving patients within the week.
“Our priority right now is making sure every veteran who depends on this clinic continues to get the care they need without interruption,” Crain said. “We’re standing up mobile units and temporary structures, leaning on our Clinical Contact Center and doing everything we can to bridge the gap while repairs are underway.”
Veterans also may contact the VA Clinical Contact Center for appointment scheduling, prescription assistance and other health care needs during the closure.
The incident comes as construction continues on a new Beaumont VA outpatient clinic that broke ground in July 2025. The replacement facility will be nearly twice the size of the existing clinic and is expected to expand health care services for veterans in Southeast Texas.
Nationwide, the Department of Veterans Affairs said it plans to invest a record $4.8 billion in nonrecurring maintenance projects during the current fiscal year. The funding includes infrastructure repairs, modernization projects supporting electronic health record implementation and major building upgrades at VA facilities across the country.
VA officials said they are working to restore operations at the current Beaumont clinic as quickly as possible while continuing construction of the new facility.
Veterans needing medical assistance during the temporary closure are encouraged to contact the VA Clinical Contact Center.
