KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A woman driving a stolen vehicle crashed head-on into an old Ford dealership in downtown Kansas City Thursday morning. The crash happened at 18th and Oak streets at a building that housed antique and vintage cars.
Fire officials said the crash weakened the building and a portion of the roof collapsed, at which time a vintage car fell out and landed in the rubble on the street below. The collapse was captured on a nearby business’s surveillance video.
The owner of the building, Chris Willsey, said he used the building to store his collection of cars.
“They’re unrestored vehicles,” he said. “They’re old, antique vehicles from the 40s, 50s, 60s.”
Police said prior to the building collapse they attempted to pull over a woman driving a stolen SUV around 10:30 a.m. in the area of Independence and Bales. Police said the woman refused to stop and sped off. Police said they chased the woman for 18 blocks. The woman didn’t stop driving until she crashed head-on into the old Ford dealership.
The driver suffered non-critical injuries. Kansas City Fire Battalion James Garrett said she had to be removed from the vehicle and that she’s fortunate she didn’t suffer any life-threatening injuries.
“If you can see all the bricks and the building on top of the car, as well as the other vehicle, the party actually had to be extricated,” he said.
The woman was taken to an area hospital.
Engineers assessed the damage.
“They’re very worried the entire building has been weakened by the collapse,” Garrett said.
Crews may be forced to demolish the building, although further assessment is needed before engineers make that decision.
