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No injuries were reported after a car crashed into the side entrance of Access Ministries on Monday morning, March 16, in downtown Watertown.
Watertown Fire Rescue responded to the call at about 9:30 a.m. to the facility at 23 West Kemp Ave. The side entrance on First Street NW was struck by a hatchback sedan. That entrance features two glass doors and wood lap siding over what used to be an overhead garage door.
The vehicle was removed and the damage temporarily repaired on Monday, March 16. Photo by Roger Whittle, The Watertown Current.
The driver was already with law enforcement at the time of the fire department’s arrival.
WFR personnel conducted an interior evaluation and identified a double 2×6 header above the opening that was sagging. Due to uncertainty about the structural integrity of the header and supporting materials, the decision was made to stabilize the area using a Paratech strut system.
Active Towing arrived on scene and was able to safely remove the vehicle from the building without causing additional movement to the structure.
Once the vehicle was removed, Engine 4 crews cleared the immediate work area by cutting away a section of 2×4 framing and removing tin siding. A Paratech strut with extension was then installed to secure and support the sagging double 2×6 header.
A construction company representing the business was present on scene and was informed of the temporary stabilization measures. The scene was then turned over to the property owner and contractors for further repairs.
Watertown City Councilman Dan Schutte is the director of Access Ministries.
The incident was one of three involving vehicles striking buildings in Watertown this month.
