An SUV driver careened into an Oakland Park business on Easter morning, causing significant damage to the storefront and forcing the business to close its doors for the day.
Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies and Oakland Park Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the crash at Oriental Rug Care near Northeast 12th Terrace and Oakland Park Boulevard, at around 6:45 a.m. on Sunday.
First responders arrived to find the SUV had smashed through the building’s wall, leaving a gaping hole.
Surveillance footage from both inside and outside the building captured the moment the SUV struck the storefront. The impact sent a dumpster flying.
The video shows the passenger getting out of the SUV after the air bags deployed, then helping the driver out, both appearing to have escaped serious injury. The driver is seen putting their hands on their head after observing the damage to the vehicle.
The impact scattered debris throughout the building’s break room and sent a refrigerator flying inside the facility. Oakland Park Fire Rescue confirmed that no one was inside the building at the time of the collision.
Hassan Ashwas, the owner of Oriental Rug Care, spent much of Sunday cleaning up the site.
“I guess somebody crashed into here, flying through dumpsters and stuff,” he said. “Went through our door and the garage door, so our business is pretty much shot.”
Ashwas noted his relief that the crash occurred during the night rather than during active business hours.
No injuries were reported, but an orange sign posted outside the buildung by the city declares the structure unsafe.
The closure of the business affects six employees who work at the location.
“Two of our entrances gone. I don’t know how we’re going to operate,” he said.
Crews have since boarded up the gaping hole.
As for Ashwas, he said he and his staff are figuring out their next steps.
“One little mistake on the driver’s side, yeah, puts six people that work here in jeopardy,” he said.
Following the investigation at the scene, the SUV was towed away with significant front-end damage.
Ashwas told 7News he believes the driver of the SUV received some sort of citation. Monday morning, he said they are back open for business.
“It’s why after I calmed down yesterday, [we] cleaned up the mess, boarded the place and I said, ‘Tomorrow is just another day,’” he said. “You know, the show goes on.”
Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the crash, which remains under investigation by BSO.
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Source: wsvn
