One person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries Saturday afternoon after a vehicle crashed into a residential building in Sheepshead Bay.
The crash caused significant structural damage and prompted evacuations.
The crash happened just after 1 p.m., when an Audi SUV slammed into the front of the home. City officials and Department of Buildings inspectors responded to the scene to assess the damage and determine whether the structure is safe.
Residents were seen standing outside as the building was evacuated. Caution tape blocked off the area.
Witnesses who were inside at the time of the crash described a loud boom that felt like an earthquake.
“My son was on the bed just playing around, and all of a sudden we hear like a car coming in,” said Emmanuel, who lives in the building. He says it was his son's room that was struck head on with him inside. They say the child was uninjured.
“My son basically jumped out of the bed. Very, very scary — like a huge bash,” Emmanuel added.
Inspectors were observed going in and out of the building throughout the afternoon, examining visible cracks and interior damage caused by the impact. National Grid crews were seen drilling to inspect for damage to gas lines.
The Red Cross says all but one of the apartment buildings were cleared for people to come back. They were relocating Emmanuel and his family due to the damage his apartment sustained.
Police now say there were no other injuries.