Car crashes through local beauty salon
Posted on Saturday, October 13, 2007
BENTONVILLE - Normally at 8: 30 a. m., Linda Hawkins is doing someone's hair at her business, Magic Mirror Beauty Salon. But Friday morning she happened to be in the supply room in back.
It was a good thing.
While looking for supplies, Hawkins heard a loud bang. The building shook.
"I thought it was an earthquake," Hawkins said. "I heard this noise, turned around and didn't know where to run. I was so shocked and confused. I didn't think we could have earthquakes in Arkansas."
When Hawkins mustered up the confidence to step out of the back room, she realized the jolt she felt wasn't an earthquake. Instead, she saw a white, four door Kia Optima sitting in the main room of Magic Mirror Beauty Salon at 401 S. Main St., next to the Bentonville Public Library.
According to Bentonville police officer Tracy Brown, the elderly woman who was driving the vehicle said the accelerator stuck, carrying her through the front window of the business. Emergency personnel examined the woman and determined she did not sustain any injuries. A tow truck was called to pull the vehicle out of the building. Bentonville firefighters installed steel poles under the opening to keep it from collapsing.
"I'm just glad no one was hurt," Hawkins said.
While emergency teams were responding, Hawkins already was making plans to use the barber shop next door for the next two days. By Friday afternoon it was unknown how long it will take to repair the front of her business, which was significantly damaged.
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