18-wheeler drives through Chandler Community Center on SH 31

CHANDLER, Texas (KLTV) - An 18-wheeler reportedly drove through the Chandler Community Center near SH 31 at about 6 o’clock Friday morning.

Three people were injured and have been transported to local hospitals for treatment.

Chandler Police Chief Calon Rollins said the truck was traveling eastbound on Highway 31 when a vehicle ran the stop light at the Sawmill Road intersection.

The semi crashed into the vehicle, lost control and crossed the highway.

Marks could be seen in the grass from the truck’s wheels as it went through the parking lot, hitting three vacant vehicles. The truck dragged one of the cars and crashed into the Chamber of Commerce side of the building.

“It’s pretty low speeds through here, which a lot of people are shocked that there’s this much damage. It’s 45-50 miles an hour, but you’ve got an 18-wheeler that’s loaded now with gravel or sand. It’s a lot of weight,” said Rollins.

Rollins confirmed that the two occupants in the original vehicle and the driver of the 18-wheeler were transported to a local hospital.

Officials said there is no evidence of any alcohol or drugs involved, as this is more of an at-fault type of accident.

“Pay attention to what’s going on. Be very diligent and defensive in your driving and just, you know, be mindful of other drivers.”

Despite the crash, the city still plans to run its business in the other departments of the building.

“We are hoping to open up the community center next week. We serve Meals on Wheels, and they operate out of here, so we should be able to continue that. We’re doing more assessments as we go along.”

A City of Chandler representative said they’re not sure how long the rebuilding process will take. They are still assessing the estimated cost of the damage.

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