A St. Augustine couple described the terrifying moment a car crashed into a Jacksonville salon, pinning them against a checkout counter and leaving them traumatized.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A St. Augustine couple is recovering after a car crashed through a Jacksonville salon Saturday, hitting them.
Aubrey Simpson-Gotham and her husband, Stephan Simpson, were getting their hair cut at Zinke Hair Studio on Town Center Parkway when the crash happened.
Surveillance video provided by the salon co-owner showed the car crashing through the front window and slamming into the couple.
This story continues below.
“We just suddenly heard this really loud crash sound,” Aubrey said. “When we turned around, the car was just barreling toward us.”
The couple had little time to react before the car hit them.
The impact pinned them between the car and the checkout counter, Stephan said.
“I felt like I physically could not move,” he said. “I was being crushed by the car.”
Aubrey suffered head lacerations that required four stitches. Stephan said his ribs continued to hurt after the crash.
The couple said the crash also affected their emotional well-being. Aubrey described the experience as the most terrifying of her life, and said she received hospital treatment for anxiety after the incident.
“It’s extremely traumatic for us,” she said. “It’s just a miracle we’re still here.”
The crash also caused extensive damage to the salon. The co-owner estimated the damage to products, equipment and furniture would cost tens of thousands of dollars.
The salon remained closed Monday while the owner assessed the damage. He said he did not know when the business would reopen but hoped to welcome customers back as soon as possible.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash.