Car Plows into Md. Strip Mall Causing Fire

Jan. 6, 2016
Several businesses in the Hartford County strip mall were damaged.

OWINGS, Md. (WUSA9) -- Three firefighters are injured after a car crashed into the Bright Center West strip mall and caused a fire to break out, Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department said.

Crews responded to the two-alarm fire Wednesday morning in the 7900 block of Southern Maryland Blvd in Owings, officials said. A car left the road and crashed into a strip mall where a floral shop, a cleaners, tax depot and nail salon are located. Half of the building was damaged. Four of the storefronts were saved by crews.

When crews got to the scene the driver of the car was already out being helped by people in the area. Officials said the driver of the car was under the influence of an intoxicant at the time of the crash. Vincent Troy, was arrested for DUI/DWI.

Officials said three firefighters have minor injuries. One of the three was transported to the hospital. Nobody was inside of the building at the time of the accident.

Dunkirk, North Beach, Huntingtown, Prince Frederick, Harwood-Lothian in Anne Arundel County, Prince George's County crews all responded to the scene.

Damages are currently estimated to be $250,000. Officials said service to the four of the eight storefronts should be restored sometime Wednesday. Authorities notified business owners of Floral Expressions, Tax Depot, and Andy's Nails. The owners of Owings Cleaners were not notified.

Crews were sent out to handle all electrical power connections and disconnections and to inspect the damage to the utility pole

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