Sunday afternoon at the Utah Animal Adoption Center in Sandy turned chaotic when a car jumped the curb and crashed straight into the front of the building, pushing part of the vehicle inside and leaving the shelter with major structural damage. In what staffers are calling a small miracle, no people or animals were hurt. Crews stayed on scene for hours to shore up the structure, and the driver, who had minor injuries, was treated at the scene.
According to ABC4 Utah, Sandy police said the driver tried to make an improper turn, lost control and ended up partially inside the shelter. Officers described the building damage as significant and confirmed no one was inside the lobby area when the car hit the facade.
Shelter Scrambles And Launches Repair Fund
Staff at the Utah Animal Adoption Center quickly moved animals away from the damaged section of the building and confirmed that none were injured during the crash. To help cover repair costs and ongoing care, the organization has set up an online donation fund. Supporters can find details through the Utah Animal Adoption Center.
Neighbors Sound Off As Intersection Draws Scrutiny
Nearby residents flooded social media with photos and updates, urging the community to check on the shelter and chip in if they could. A Reddit post sharing firsthand images reported that two cats were in the room that took the hit but were quickly moved, are safe and are being monitored. Commenters also pointed out that making left turns at the nearby 700 East intersection can be tricky.
Sandy police said the driver had minor injuries and was treated at the scene, and investigators are still piecing together the exact chain of events, according to ABC4 Utah. The shelter plans to share updates on its website and social channels as officials and insurance adjusters assess the damage and figure out the next steps.
