Minivan Into Kmart Sounded Like Explosion, 'Employees Were Running Out The Door'
ARVADA, Colo. (CBS4) - "Very, very scary," said resident Brandy Lesker.
Stunned residents watched behind police tape after an minivan plowed into an Arvada Kmart.
"I've never seen anything like this," said Brandy's daughter Tara.
Around 2 p.m. on Tuesday a Toyota Sienna smashed into the building on West 58th Avenue at a high rate of speed. The 41-year-old man driving the car drove 50 feet into the store, crashing into two female employees inside. All three were taken to the hospital, and one worker was in serious condition.
Lenny Dewitt heard what he thought was a bomb going off.
"What I heard sounded like an explosion. This huge sound. Employees were running out the door," said DeWitt. "They didn't know what happened. They thought it was an explosion. Terror bomb some people thought."
Lesker arrived minutes after the crash. She told CBS4's Tom Mustin she watched the shattered Toyota being pulled from the gaping hole and couldn't believe anyone survived.
"Stunned, shocked that that much impact and damage had happened," said Lesker.
After this bizarre crash, Arvada police have several theories but no definitive answers.
"We're investigating what caused this to happen and if any drugs or alcohol were involved. We don't know if it's medical or some other reason," said Arvada police spokeswoman Jill McGranahan.
And as Arvada firefighters patched up the damage, Lesker had a message for three people bound forever by a terrifying encounter at Kmart.
"Hopefully the injuries are not very bad. Praying for the families."
Arvada police say their investigation is ongoing.
Tom Mustin is CBS4's Weekend Anchor. He has been with CBS4 since 2002, and is always looking for great story ideas. Follow Tom on Twitter @TomCBS4.
