Fire erupts after car crashes into historic building in Hatboro

HATBORO, Pa. (WPVI) -- Firefighters battled a blaze at the Pennypack Mill in Hatboro, formerly known as the Old Mill Inn.

The reception hall was quiet Saturday night after a party was canceled after a driver accidentally slammed into the front of the building, leaving a path of damage behind.

A white car engulfed in flames that spread quickly to the Pennypack Mill banquet hall overtaking the front entrance.

Caterer Raghav Rishi said, "I just heard a loud noise came running down and saw the car ran into the building and caught fire." We asked were there people inside? "Yes, a boy and his mom sitting in the passenger seat."

Witnesses say the mother and son were shaken. The young driver may have misjudged the turn onto Horsham Road from York Road.

"All of a sudden the car was coming our way we got scared we just moved back," said Rishi.

Inside the building, caterers were preparing for a 50th birthday celebration.

"It's sad we're trying to talk to the host and see if we can still do the event somewhere I feel really bad for them," said Rishi.

Once the flames were extinguished and the car removed, the extensive damage to the front entrance is what's left behind.

The birthday celebration scheduled here, moved at the last minute, a lot of rescheduling to come for others who've booked future events.

Deputy Chief Pete Croak, Enterprise Fire Company of Hatboro said, "They do a lot of business here it's a shame that this had to happen tonight but thankfully nobody hurt no one hurt everybody gets to go home safe."

The building was erected at this corner in 1724. It's the oldest structure still standing in Hatboro. Tonight it's boarded up and tomorrow, begins the planning to rebuild.

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