Driver crashes into former YMCA building

By Layla Burke Hastings
[email protected]
BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. — A Bellows Falls woman drove her vehicle into the former YMCA building on Atkinson Street Tuesday evening.

Anita Fredriksen, 57, of Bellows Falls, was operating her 2005 Nissan Altima when she hit the front of what originally served as the Methodist Church and former YMCA building, located at 66 Atkinson St.

Personnel from the Bellows Falls Police and Fire Departments and Golden Cross Ambulance responded to the incident after the crash was reported around 8:20 p.m., where Fredriksen was transported via ambulance to Springfield Hospital.

Bellows Falls Fire Chief and Acting Police Chief Shaun McGinnis could not comment on Friday as to what precisely caused the accident or the extent of Fredriksen’s injuries, but did say that the building sustained very little damage whereas the car had noticeable damage to its front bumper and hood.

“I don’t know the specifics. The woman, for whatever reason, lost control of her car, went through the intersection and struck the building,” McGinnis said.

Chistopher Glennon, current owner of the building, was on the scene after the collision to go over potential damages, according to McGinnis. The building is presently the focus of a lawsuit brought forth by the village of Bellows Falls in regards to infrastructure flaws that make it a public safety issue.

“There was very minimal damage. The property owner, Chris Glennon, showed up on scene. We went over over the damage. There was very little damage,” McGinnis said.

Fredriksen’s vehicle was not as fortunate.

“There was quite a bit of damage to the vehicle. Heavy front end damage,” McGinnis said.

The driver’s dog was the lone passenger in the vehicle with Fredriksen, who was uninjured. The dog was taken by a family member, according to McGinnis.

The cause of the accident is under investigation, police said, and anyone who may have witnessed it is asked to contact the Bellows Falls Police Department at 802 463-1234.