LOWER ALSACE TWP., Pa.- Customers were shaken up on Wednesday morning at a Berks County grocery store after both shoppers and employees were forced to evacuate the building.
The incident happened at the Redner’s in Lower Alsace after a woman struck the HVAC unit, causing a gas leak and prompting the evacuation.
“I only see when everybody was over there,” says Sunilda Leonardo, who lives in Lower Alsace. “The fire and the police and I don’t know what happened.”
First responders, UGI and tow trucks all converged at Redner’s Market in Lower Alsace Township Wednesday morning for reports of a car crash and possible gas leak.
“Upon police arrival, we located two vehicles,” says Central Berks Police Sgt. Nicholas Phillips.
“A customer was reversing out, pushed that car about six feet over the curb right by the sign. At that point, the victim’s vehicle then accelerated, and then she went right into the HVAC unit,” he added.
Electricity and gas were shut off as the utility providers investigated the issue.
“UGI is here because there was gas running to the HVAC unit, so now we’re trying to determine where the source is at to see if we have any other leaks,” says Phillips.
Employees waited outside of the store until they were given the all-clear. Those who live nearby say it was quite an unusual experience.
“I was afraid, because never I see that in this supermarket,” says Leonardo.
Firefighters stayed on scene until UGI confirmed all leaks were secure. A spokesperson for Redner’s says the equipment operations for the store are electric, including ovens, fryers, and hot water.
The company says the bulk of the damage is to the outside HVAC unit.
As of early Wednesday afternoon, Redner’s still did not have heat or air conditioning while contractors work to assess damage and provide a timeline for repairs. The store is open for business.
The driver was taken to the hospital for what the police described as minor injuries.