Truck plows into Hainje's
Published 6:20 am Wednesday, June 8, 2005
By By LYDIA GRIMES-Features writer
The last thing you expect to encounter when you arrive for work is a vehicle striking your building and heading straight for you.
On Tuesday morning, employees and customers alike inside Hainije's, Inc. encountered such a site. A truck left Hwy. 31 and plowed into the front of the business, busted two panes of glass and remained at a standstill halfway inside the building.
While no injuries were reported, a few of the employees were a little shaken by the accident.
According to Brewton Police Chief David Lovelace, a truck driven by Richard Tidwell of 123 Mayo Street in East Brewton was traveling south on Douglas Avenue when the accident occurred. The driver lost control of the vehicle, shot across parking spaces and landed partially inside the front of the building.
It came as quite a surprise to those who were inside Hainje's to find that someone was apparently trying to make a drive-through out of the front windows.
Hainje's employee Wanda Simmons said it was a shock to everyone.
Two windows were broken but the store went on with business as usual. Employees were not sure how much it would cost to replace the broken window panes, but knew they would be replaced promptly.
According to Lovelace, the driver was given citations for driving with no license, having an expired tag and having no insurance on the vehicle.