MANATEE COUNTY (WSNN) – A car slams into a Suncoast Bank pinning one person to the floor.
A person gets pinning underneath a car after it smashes into a Bank of America building near Bayshore Gardens in Manatee County. It happened Tuesday around 1:40 pm.
Trooper Kenn Watson says a 90-year-old man lost control of his car, ramming his 2014 Toyota Sedan into the lobby, shattering glass and striking three customers of the bank.
“They were there to exit the vehicle to use the ATM machine,” Trooper Kenn Watson said. “Unfortunately the driver lost control of his vehicle and he drove through the Bank of America lobby… approximately 75 feet from the parking lot all the way into the lobby area.”
Trooper Watson there may have been confusion with the gas and the brake pedals.
“And unfortunately did not have that physical ability to make that quick change and get his foot from the gas to the break before entering the building,” Trooper Watson said. “Once he entered the building, obviously he panicked and unfortunately he accelerated.”
The crash injured three people, pinning a person under his car
“Fortunately we had someone that was within the lobby that saw this transpire and was actually able to save the life of one of the gentlemen that was hurt and was in a wheelchair,” Trooper Watson said.
That patient was sent to Blake Medical as a trauma alert with critical injuries. Another victim was transported to Manatee Memorial with serious injuries.
Trooper Watson wants to remind you to always stay alert.
“Please be careful, good situational awareness, especially when we’re behind the wheel, we want to make sure we’re making good decisions,” Trooper Watson said.
The driver and passenger were not hurt.
The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash scene.