ALPINE TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A box truck smashed into an Alpine Township church Friday morning, leaving two people in the truck trapped until firefighters could rescue them.
The crash happened around 7 a.m. at Trinity Congregational Church on 4 Mile Road near Peach Ridge Avenue. The cab of the Lowe's truck was completely inside the building when first responders arrived.
"When we pulled up on scene and saw literally a truck into the building, that kind of like makes you stop and change your approach on how you're gonna deal with things," said Alpine Township Fire Chief Jeremy Kelly.
Firefighters were able to get the two men out of the damaged truck after 15 minutes of work. The driver was sent to the hospital with serious injuries, said Kelly. The passenger was treated on scene.
Investigators believe distracted driving played a part in the crash.
Israel "Izzy" Young, the pastor at Trinity Congregational Church, told FOX 17 the truck smashed into the building's main auditorium, severely damaging a custom pipe organ. It was a church member who lives across the street who first told Young about the situation.
"I was surprised. I mean, I mean, what? Just remarkable that you know that's a truck in the middle of the church," said Young.
The extent of the damage to the building was still being evaluated. The church contracted with a restoration company to temporarily shore up the building and fill the hole.
Pastor Young committed to still holding Sunday services this weekend, saying his congregation of roughly 80 will meet in a tent in the parking lot.
"We're still here, we're not planning on, you know, going anywhere anytime soon, and we will continue to worship and meet," said Young. "It's important that we still gather together, and that community is a big part of what it means to have faith."
Watch: Pastor commits to hold Sunday service
Damage to the building is nothing new for Trinity Congregational Church. Back in 1965 it was one of many buildings across West Michigan destroyed in the Palm Sunday tornadoes.
"At the time the young people were meeting in the basement, and so the leaders had them all gathered under the table, and you know, fortunately everyone was safe, and everyone got out in good shape. So, you know, this is just part of our history as a church," said Young.
