DUI Driver Crashes Car into Second Floor of Dental Office on 17th Street
SANTA ANA, CA (January 14, 2018)– A white Nissan Altima crossed three lanes of traffic, hit a concrete center divider, and flew about 60 feet into the second story of a dentist’s office, around 5:25 AM on Sunday.
Capt. Stephen Horner, a spokesman for the Orange County Fire Authority, said that officials called the accident in around 5:30 AM. When police and firefighters arrived at the scene, the white sedan was hanging out the front of the two-story building.
Footage shows that the car was traveling at high speeds when it crossed three lanes of traffic on East 17th Street, just barely missing another car and a large bus, and hit a concrete median on a dirt mound like in a t-bone crash. Becoming airborne, the vehicle traveled over 60 feet before slamming into 319 East 17th Street near the 5 freeway.
There were two people in the car. The driver was able to remove himself from the vehicle without assistance. The passenger remained trapped in the car for about an hour after the crash, until freed by rescuers. Authorities used heavy equipment to stabilize the car and remove the victim from the vehicle safely. Both occupants were taken to the hospital for minor injuries.
The collision caused a small fire that was quickly extinguished by the firefighters. LA County and Orange County fire officials used a crane to pull the car out of the building around 8 AM. Luckily, there was no one in the building, and no other vehicles involved in the airborne car crash on 17th Street.
Westbound 17th street across from the Norm’s Restaurant was shut down until the car was removed and debris was cleaned up.
Santa Ana Police said that the driver admitted to have used narcotics, and was charged with DUI. He is currently in custody, and his identity has not yet been released to the public by officials.
Driving under the influence is hazardous to both the driver and other people on the road. When exposed to drugs or alcohol, don’t get behind the wheel. Have a designated driver (DD), or call for a ride from Lyft, Uber, or a taxi.
When involved in a serious car accident, contact the offices of Sweet Law Group. We have over 44 years of experience in the field, and know what it takes to get you and your family the compensation and justice you deserve. Call now for a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers: (800) 203-3061.
