One person was killed and 14 others were injured when a sports utility vehicle crashed through the front glass wall of a thrift store in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The incident occurred when a 69-year-old woman attempted to park her vehicle but mistakenly stepped on the accelerator instead of the brakes. The SUV then jumped the curb and crashed through the store’s facade, resulting in the death of Pamela Kaye Nelson and injuries to 14 others. Two of the injured were store employees and the rest were customers ranging in age from approximately 30 to 90 years old.
The Las Cruces Police Department reported that 10 of those injured were taken to hospitals for treatment, while five others were evaluated at the scene but refused transport to medical facilities. The lone occupant of the Ford Explorer that crashed into the store was unharmed. The name of the driver has not been released by authorities. The vehicle entered the Savers store near a self-checkout area and traveled all the way to the back side of the building, causing chaos and panic among employees and customers.
Witness Elijah Sanchez, a Savers employee, recounted hearing people screaming in pain after the crash, which took place around 10 a.m. He described the scene as chaotic and stated that he immediately went to help those in need. The incident left many shaken and in shock as they tried to comprehend the situation and assist those who were injured. The exact extent of the injuries sustained by the 14 individuals remains unclear, and it is likely that some will require extensive medical treatment due to the severity of the crash.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine if any criminal charges will be filed against the driver. The tragic event has left the community of Las Cruces reeling from the loss of one life and the injuries suffered by several others. The thrift store, Savers, will need time to recover and rebuild after the extensive damage caused by the SUV crashing into the building. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of accidents and the importance of exercising caution while operating a vehicle to prevent such devastating incidents from occurring in the future.
