A car crashed into the Montefiore Medical Group Urgent Care in Yonkers around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, severely injuring two people.
Police say the 84-year-old driver may have suffered a medical episode before the crash at the entrance to 1010 Central Park Ave., where the car came to rest inside the lobby waiting room. Six people in total were hospitalized in the incident.
Both the driver and passenger were severely injured and taken to a trauma center. The driver was rushed for emergency surgery, according to officials.
“A partition came through the windshield and was pinning her [the driver] against the chair and we removed the glass and were able to get her out through the back door,” says Yonkers Fire Department Assistant Chief James Kenny.
Some people inside the building were being treated for injuries. But officials said none appeared to be too serious. Two officers were also injured while assisting the occupants of the car.
People who work in the area, as well as patients, say they saw the police and fire crews following the crash and were worried.
"It's a shock that I'm seeing all these cop cars and all the firetrucks and everything. It's crazy,” says Emmanuel Udeagha, an Enterprise Management trainee. “It’s usually quiet over there. I really don’t see anybody or see anything happen and something tragic like this never happens.”
"I'm shocked. I couldn't believe what happened, but I just pray everybody's OK,” says Mary, a Yonkers resident.
Police say they do not believe there is major structural damage. The building is being assessed by a structural engineer.
That Montefiore location is closed for the time being. Patients are being notified about changes to their appointments.