SALAMANCA — The Salamanca Public Library re-opened to the public earlier this week after a vehicle veered off Wildwood Avenue and crashed into the building last week.
At approximately 5 p.m. May 7, fire crews were dispatched to the library at 155 Wildwood Ave. after receiving reports of the crash. Salamanca police reported that the one-vehicle accident significantly damaged one of the library’s front pillars and the overhanging roof. Damage to the library was estimated at approximately $70,000.
Library Manager Jennifer Stickles said Thursday that the library hoped to reopen this week once the temporary fixes are finished and inspected. They will then continue making the necessary repairs to the building.
On the day of the crash, Stickles and two staff members were talking in the staff area shortly before 5 o’clock when they heard a sudden loud noise and felt the building shake.
“All three of us turned and looked at the monitor for the outside cameras and the screen was filled with a giant cloud of dust,” she said. “After glancing out the front window we realized there had been an accident.”
Library staff members Shari Carney and Penny Minner handled contacting emergency services and making sure things remained calm inside while Stickles went outside. She said she was shocked by the scene.
“There were bricks scattered everywhere, and parts of the truck all the way down by the main door,” she recalled. “There were some other people who had been driving behind the truck that stopped to help.”
Upon arrival by emergency services, it was discovered a black pick-up truck had struck a support column, damaging an overhanging roof over the sidewalk. As shown in security camera footage from the library, the vehicle was entangled with the column.
“I was very grateful to the fire and police department who made sure to keep us informed as to what was happening and keep everyone calm in the chaos,” Stickles said.
The pick-up’s driver and one passenger were transported by ambulance to an unspecified local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Salamanca police reported Wednesday.
After determining a significant structural compromise of the support column, in turn compromising the roof, the Olean Fire Department Technical Rescue Team was requested to assist with shoring up the building before removing the vehicle. A pair of two-post vertical shores were constructed around the damaged column, stabilizing the roof.
“The library has been inspected by an engineer and for safety reasons we are closed to the public until some repairs can be made,” Stickles said. “This is going to be an ongoing project for us, but once certain repairs are made we will be able to reopen while the rest of the work is finished.”
In addition to the Olean Fire Department, the Salamanca Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Salamanca Police Department, Salamanca Department of Public Works, Seneca Nation of Indians Marshals and Urban’s Auto. The cause of the accident was under investigation.
Stickles also expressed thanks to the mayor who came to the library and, along with the library board president and city police and fire departments, figured out what needed to happen next and who should be contacted to help deal with the aftermath of the accident.
“The city has been very helpful this week while we figure everything out,” she said. “While the building was damaged from the impact and has resulted in our temporary closure, we are all just so thankful that everyone was able to walk away from the accident.”
As they plan for the needed repairs, Stickles said the struck column is going to need to be replaced, and they won’t know the true extent of damage until some demolition happens. The roof of the main building has also been patched.
“Once the front of the library has been secured, we will have it reinspected and determine if the library can open at that time,” she said. “We already have contractors working on that and we will keep the public updated as we know more information.”
