Floral Re-Arrangement

Car slams into Heaven’s Scent in Republic on Christmas Eve
 
No major injuries were suffered when a blue BMW crashed into the front of Heaven’s Scent in Republic on Christmas Eve morning. The flower and gift shop, located at 923 U.S. Highway 60 E., was left with the car sitting fully inside and the storefront mostly demolished.
According to Marlene Klepees, owner of the store, the car rammed into the front at about 10:30 a.m. During this time, there were around eight or nine people in the store.
Klepees said the whole incident was captured on security camera footage. She said the car rammed through the front of the store, trapping someone beneath the car for a short while. She added that the car hit the store at tremendous speed considering the relatively limited parking lot space it had to accelerate. She estimated that it collided with the glass wall at about 60 miles per hour and that the engine was still revving while it was stationary in the store.
Because the car slammed into the business’ front, customers and employees were trapped inside for a time, said Klepees. She said that one person went to the hospital, as they were pushed 15 to 20 feet when the vehicle hit the door. Though she said they were just bruised.
Driver was shopper
The wreck is reportedly attributed to an elderly driver who stepped on the accelerator when she meant to press the brake. According to Klepees, the driver was just arriving to get a present for their boss.
The store is now once again open for business, but the experience was frightening for Klepees.
“It was loud and fast; I don’t think the lady had even slowed down to park,” she said.
In the aftermath of the incident, Klepees said the city of Republic made their presence known to offer up help on the scene. She said that people she did not know arrived to help open the door and move bricks.
“I’m so thankful for people, I don’t even know what to say,” said Klepees.