Just before 5:00 PM, Cape May Fire Department received a call for a car crashing into a Cape May church building. A white SUV apparently backed into the Star of the Sea Church’s parish hall.
The Church hall at 520 Lafayette Street, sustained substantial damage. The Cape May Fire Chief Alex Coulter summoned the Cape May County RUST team as a precaution in case of building collapse. RUST stands for Regional Urban Search and Rescue Team. The local RUST team responded from Wildwood.
Lafayette Street remained closed for several hours. Once officials determined the structure safe the vehicle was started and driven out of the building by firefighters.
In a mutual aid response, Town Bank Firefighters covered Cape May as a second alarm on technical rescues. West Cape May firemen supplied water to Cape May fire engines in case needed. Cape May Coast Guard personnel were also on scene.
“Everything worked as it was planned,” Cape May Fire Chief Alex Coulter said, “We followed our written alarm assignments for a technical rescue.”
The Cape May Fire Department is a combination department consisting of career and volunteer personnel. Protecting “The Nation’s Oldest Seashore Resort”. Providing fire protection, emergency medical services and numerous technical rescue specialities.
Thankfully a car crashing into a Cape May church hall building is not a regular occurrence. Nice to know our local firefighters plan and train for such an event.
How fast do you have to be going in reverse to crash through a cinderblock wall? Glad everyone was ok and the building saved.
Author
Had to be over 30MPH may be higher according to one official.
Huge thanks to our heroic and exceptionally-well-trained firefighters. Huge thanks also to the expert firefighters from our neighboring towns, to the Cape May County RUST team, and to our wonderful Coast Guard. A special thank you to Cape May Fire Chief Alex Coulter.