A late-night crash sent a vehicle into an Orange City hotel yesterday, abruptly forcing dozens of guests out of their rooms, according to the Red Cross. More than 50 residents, including at least 11 children, were displaced, and Red Cross volunteers opened an emergency shelter in nearby New Smyrna Beach. Officials have released few details so far about what caused the crash or whether anyone was hurt.
According to ClickOrlando, the American Red Cross' Florida chapter said its Disaster Action Team responded to an incident in the 300 block of Volusia Avenue, where a vehicle appeared to have struck a hotel. The outlet reported that about 36 units were affected and that volunteers were on scene registering residents and arranging shelter. The Red Cross said more than 50 people were displaced, and an emergency shelter in New Smyrna Beach was opened to accommodate families suddenly left without a place to stay.
Red Cross response and shelter
Disaster Action Teams are trained, on-call volunteer units that provide immediate aid, including temporary lodging, meals, and short-term financial help, to people forced from their homes, the American Red Cross explains. DAT volunteers often work alongside first responders to assess damage, connect families with shelter, and start the process of longer-term recovery planning once the immediate emergency is under control.
Local resources and contacts
Volusia County's emergency-management pages list a Citizens Information Center and shelter resources for residents affected by local incidents, and the county posts a hotline for disaster assistance. The City of Orange City also maintains contact numbers for police and city services so residents can request help or information when events like this disrupt housing.
Police and city officials had not released details about the driver or any potential charges as of this morning, and investigators were expected to examine the scene further. News organizations and emergency agencies said they would share updates with the public as more information becomes available.
