An elderly driver turned a sleepy Michigan street into a scene of disarray last Thursday when her SUV careened into a local dog groomer’s shop. The 78-year-old Saline woman is said to have “accidentally” plowed her vehicle into the Dog House Grooming Spa on Howell Street, according to WHMI. The collision, occurring around 1 p.m. near Michigan 36, sent building materials and business signs flying in a cloud of dust and debris.
Amidst the chaos, one employee found himself in harm’s way. The 56-year-old man, who was standing “just inside the front door,” was struck by the invading SUV, as reported by WWJ Newsradio. While the building’s entrance was left with “extensive damage,” the employee escaped with only minor injuries. The vehicle itself was described as “undriveable,” a testament to the force with which the shop was hit.
Authorities, including police, fire, and EMS crews, swarmed the scene quickly. The man injured in the incident declined further medical treatment after being assessed by Livingston County EMS. The event prompted an investigation into how and why the crash occurred, as stated by Pinckney Police. While the cause of the crash remains undetermined, thankfully, there were no major injuries, a fact emphasized by the response team on site.
As the dust settled, the dog grooming business faced an unexpected closure due to the “substantial damage” inflicted, as noted by ClickOnDetroit. With a crater where its entrance once welcomed both dogs and their owners, the Dog House Grooming Spa now faces repairs while the community grapples with the stunning spectacle of a regular day upended by the most unexpected of visitors.