DECATUR, Ala. — Parents and students at Benjamin Davis Elementary had a few scary moments Monday afternoon during the dismissal period. The driver of a car suffered an apparent medical emergency, crashing their car into a canopy in front of the school building.
According to school officials, the vehicle ran through a grassy area in front of the school, ramming into a support pole holding the canopy.
"Thanks to the quick actions of a staff member, she was able to rush students inside the building to safety," said Decatur City Schools Communications Director, Elizabeth Gentle. "No student, staff member, or parent was injured."
The incident was captured on school security cameras, which show the moment of impact, followed by a group of adults rushing to render aid to the driver.
It is not currently known if the driver was the parent or guardian of a student or simply a passerby. Their condition following the incident is unknown.
School officials say maintenance staff were able to remove the damaged portion of the structure and brace it to keep it safe for continued use. A full repair on the canopy will be performed during students' summer break.
Damage was estimated at about $50,000.
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