Overnight quiet turned chaotic in Brooklyn Park early Wednesday when a car slammed into a congregate care home just after 3 a.m., tearing through a bedroom wall and causing a natural-gas leak that forced everyone inside to evacuate. Firefighters and utility crews moved in to secure the scene while one resident and the driver were treated for minor injuries. Police arrested the driver at the scene.
Car Leaves Road And Smashes Into Bedroom At 76th And Regent
Brooklyn Park police told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that the vehicle left the roadway at the intersection of 76th Avenue North and Regent Avenue North and crashed into a bedroom of the care home shortly after 3 a.m., according to KSTP. The outlet reported that the impact blew a large hole in the building and set off an active gas leak that forced an evacuation of the facility. Officers arrested the driver on site, and emergency crews treated both one resident and the driver for minor injuries.
Gas Leak Triggers Utility Shutdown And Damage Checks
“The crash also caused a gas leak, which forced all residents in the facility to evacuate,” police told reporters, the station reported, and crews from CenterPoint Energy joined firefighters to shut off natural gas service until repairs could be completed, according to KSTP. Later in the morning, 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS crews saw construction workers at the scene as investigators and repair teams checked the structural damage. Authorities had not yet released the facility’s name or additional details by midmorning.
Why Crews Cut Off Gas After A Building Impact
Utilities and first responders routinely move to isolate and shut down gas lines after a vehicle hits a building to reduce the risk of fire or explosion, according to CenterPoint Energy. The company notes that its crews are dispatched to locate and isolate affected lines and coordinate with fire and police departments while inspections and repairs are carried out. Those safety steps are meant to protect residents, emergency crews and nearby properties until the structure is cleared as safe.
Police Probe Crash Cause And Seek Neighbor Footage
Brooklyn Park police said they are still investigating what led to the crash and have not released more information about the driver’s condition or whether charges will be pursued. Neighbors or anyone who may have video of the incident are asked to contact the Brooklyn Park Police Department's public information office. Contact information and resources are available through the city’s website on the Brooklyn Park Police Department page. This story will be updated as the department or the facility’s operator releases additional details.
