Close call: Van crashes into corner store, narrowly missing clerk

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MANCHESTER, NH – It was a close call at MS Market, 176 Sagamore St., after an accident caused a van to crash into the exterior wall, narrowly missing the store’s owner, who was working behind the cash register, located just on the other side of the wall.

According to officials at the scene, two vehicles were headed north on Maple Street when a white SUV turned left from the right hand lane, striking a van and causing it to crash into the store at the northwest corner of Sagamore Street.  Manchester Fire crews from Engine 11, Rescue 1, District Chief Michael Gamache responded to the scene.

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Photo slideshow by Jeffrey Hastings/Frame of Mind Photo

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The crash caused heavy damage to the store, including a broken support column which holds up one of the front joists. The van also smashed several windows and broke one of the cement bollards in the front entryway, designed to protect the store.

The store’s owner was working behind the counter when the van crashed. No occupants of the store or vehicles required transport by AMR but all were checked out.

MFD requested Engine 7 to come to the scene with supporting posts to shore up the building before the van could be removed.