'Everyone's In Shock': Physical Therapy Office Closed After Car Crash

GREENWICH, CT ? Sportsplus Physical Therapy and Chiropractic, located at 282 Railroad Ave. in Greenwich, has temporarily closed after a car crashed through the building on July 12.

Three people were injured in the incident ? two inside the office, and the driver. All three were treated for minor injuries, Lt. John Slusarz of the Greenwich Police Department said Friday.

At 11:36 a.m. on Tuesday, police received a call on a report of a car crash at the building.

Slusarz said a 92-year-old Greenwich man was driving a 1996 Mercedes Benz S420 through the back of the parking lot and went through the side of the building, penetrating the brick exterior and going partially into the office.

"While doing so, the natural gas line in the building broke, so there was a little bit of gas leaking," Slusarz said. The Greenwich Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services and utility company responded, and the building was evacuated.

"I'm just glad that everyone's alive from the damage the office incurred. Nobody's really OK because everyone's in shock, especially the receptionist who got the most impact," said owner of Sportsplus, Dr. Paolo Pirani, who was traveling abroad when the crash happened. He rushed home when he heard the news.

Pirani said the receptionist was pinned between debris and her desk as a result of the crash, and she sustained whiplash. A physical therapist climbed over the area where the receptionist was to render aide, injuring herself in the process, Pirani said.

The main issue right now is the ruptured gas line, Pirani said. He hopes to reopen as soon as possible, and he's looking to sublease a space in town.

"We need to provide treatment for patients. Our patients need us, and we can't abandon them," Pirani said. Sportsplus has been in that space for five years.

The business posted about the crash on Facebook, and said it will be communicating with patients about updates and next steps.

Several commenters on the post offered well-wishes. Pirani said the outpouring of support has been uplifting, but the road ahead is challenging.

"It's going to be hard to bounce back. A business is like moving a rock. Once the rock stops, to make it move again is a big effort," Pirani said. "Once it rolls, it kind of goes on its own. If it stops, it's a problem."

Slusarz said an investigation remains ongoing into the crash. Police did not say what the cause was.

This article was edited to reflect that the crash occurred at 11:36 a.m.