Authorities in Las Cruces, New Mexico, reported a devastating incident on Tuesday when a sports utility vehicle crashed through the front glass wall of a thrift store, resulting in one fatality and 13 injuries.
First responders swiftly arrived at the scene, where they attended to the 10 injured individuals who were subsequently transported to hospitals for treatment. Tragically, a 67-year-old woman sustained critical injuries and passed away as a result of the crash.
The 69-year-old female driver of the SUV emerged unscathed from the accident, according to Las Cruces police. Her identity has not been disclosed at this time.
Authorities indicated that the driver mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brakes while attempting to park her vehicle, leading to the tragic collision.
Among the injured were two store employees and several customers, with ages ranging from approximately 30 to 90 years old, as confirmed by the police.
The SUV breached the storefront near a self-checkout area, traversing the entire length of the building before coming to a stop at the back, as detailed by law enforcement officials.
Witnesses, including Savers employee Elijah Sanchez, recounted the harrowing aftermath of the crash, with screams of pain echoing through the store following the impact around 10 a.m.
Sanchez described the scene as chaotic, expressing his immediate instinct to assist those in need amidst the confusion and distress.
