Miami

Car Crashes Into Miami Gardens Church, 12 Injured Pastor Says

"Thank god the car did not reach the wall of the church"

Fire Rescue officials say eight people were injured when a car plowed into a Miami church while a service was in progress.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue transported seven people and airlifted one from Mount Zion AME Church to the hospital Sunday. A Nissan Altima crashed into the building as the congregants were celebrating the church's 75th anniversary. The car was trying to avoid a crash on the road.

"We were in the middle of worship and welcoming visitors when we heard a huge explosion," said Pastor Rogery Adams.

The pastor said nearly 300 people were inside his church when the crash happened.

"Thank god the car did not reach the wall of the church," Adams said. "I mean it did definitely impact and some concrete and other materials that caused most of the injuries, but the car did not come in and hit anyone so we were really blessed."

A resident from across the street says he witnessed the crash.

"He was heading south and then someone come down this street and cut down this street and that's what made him swerve but you've got to be going little fast to get into that church," said Jorge Williams. "[The] speed limit is 30 miles per hour around here."

No further details were immediately available.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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