Dramatic video shows moment SUV smashes into 7-Eleven store in Northeast Philadelphia; bystander hit
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- One person was hurt after an SUV crashed into a 7-Eleven storefront in Northeast Philadelphia early Thursday morning.
It happened shortly before 12:30 a.m. at the 7-Eleven store on Bustleton Avenue by Knorr Street.
Crews spent the entire day boarding up the front of the store after police say the driver of the Jeep Cherokee lost consciousness during a medical emergency.
Action News has obtained surveillance video that shows the moment of impact.
In the video, you can see the Jeep Cherokee crashing through the front of the 7-Eleven, taking down a 34-year-old man who was standing outside checking his phone.
The bystander suffered some broken bones in the crash.
Police say the driver was on Harbison Avenue, which also leads into the intersection, but had some type of medical emergency, clipping a truck that was parked outside the store and then smashing into the glass.
Regular customers checked out the damage Thursday. Shattered glass and car parts were left scattered among soda bottles and other merchandise.
"This is a blessing that no one is harmed and everyone is safe," said Lonay Newkirk from Northeast Philadelphia.
"It was a big sound, we were so scared," added Jerry Johan.
Employees and customers that were inside the store at the time of the crash were not injured.
"We were behind the counter. It could have hit both of us and we would be in hospital," said Johan.
Police say the driver was checked out at the scene and the bystander was taken to the hospital to be treated.
The investigation into the crash continues.
