Van crashes

A passenger in a van that on Tuesday struck the side of a Dawson Road building says he thanks God they didn’t hit anyone when their brakes went out.

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, along with Thunder Bay Police Service, responded to the crash just before noon on Tuesday. A van went off the road and across the parking lot of Xtra Cash before hitting the former Rogers Video store.

Both the driver and passenger escaped the crash unharmed.

Dan Collins, the passenger in the van, said although the vehicle was recently serviced, the brakes went out and they were forced to veer off the road.

“I’m surprised we didn’t hit anyone,” he said. “I’m glad we didn’t hit anyone because it could have been messing. We just went out to see some councillors and this is what happens. I’m very lucky to not have been hurt. I think God was looking out for me.”

Teresa Krupa, who works at the Xtra Cash next door, said she was helping a customer when she heard the crash.

“It was loud, it was screeching,” she said.

“I just saw a van come out of nowhere. I don’t know how he didn’t turn over completely. I saw his hubcap come off and he skidded right in here. He was coming straight down and he turned so sharply. The customer and I didn’t know what was going on. It was crazy.”

The investigation continues.