Sunday motor vehicle accident in Wheatfield

Submitted by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office

On June 11 at 01:42 a.m., the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Communications Division received a 9-1-1 call reporting a motor vehicle accident on Plaza Drive, in the Town of Wheatfield. Initial responding deputies observed a vehicle, which had struck an apartment complex located at 6855 Plaza Drive.

Deputies located the driver of the vehicle, Alana Bruning of the Town of Lockport, outside of the vehicle, crying.

Deputy Bork then entered apartment No. 1 and located the resident in her kitchen. After determining that she was uninjured, she was escorted out of the building. The remaining residents of the complex had exited the building prior to the deputies responding; none of them were injured.

 Investigation revealed that the 2012 Kia Optima was traveling eastbound on Sawyer Drive, when the driver stated she attempted to brake, however, the brakes failed. The vehicle continued off the roadway, through the yard and struck the apartment complex. The front half of the vehicle had penetrated the building and into a bathroom, where it came to rest.

Due to the nature of the accident, Bruning was transported by Tri-Community Ambulance to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center for an evaluation.

Bergholz and the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station fire departments responded to the scene to assist. The Town of Pendleton building inspector responded to the scene and deemed apartment No. 1 uninhabitable. However, the remaining apartments were deemed safe for the tenants to return.

At the time of incident, there was no estimate of damage reported.