DWI Horror in Maggie Valley: Truck Crashes Into Storefront, Leaves 10 Injured
Maggie Valley, NC — A quiet evening turned chaotic when a pickup truck slammed into a local business on Soco Road late Thursday in what authorities are calling a suspected DWI incident. The crash left 10 people injured and caused significant damage to the storefront.
According to the Maggie Valley Police Department, the crash occurred around 8:30 p.m. Witnesses say the truck was speeding when it veered off the road and barreled through the front window of a popular retail shop. Customers and employees inside had little time to react.
“It was like a bomb went off,” said Maria Jenkins, who was shopping inside the store when the crash occurred. “People were screaming, glass was everywhere. It was terrifying.”
First responders arrived within minutes and transported the injured victims to nearby hospitals. At least two are reported to be in serious but stable condition. The remaining victims suffered minor to moderate injuries.
Police have identified the driver as a 36-year-old man from nearby Waynesville. He was taken into custody at the scene and faces multiple charges, including driving while impaired, reckless driving, and assault with a deadly weapon. Authorities believe alcohol was a major factor in the crash and are awaiting results from toxicology reports.
The business, which has requested privacy for now, sustained heavy structural damage and will remain closed until further notice. Town officials are working to provide support to the affected victims and the business owner.
“This could have easily been fatal,” said Police Chief Scott Rogers. “We’re grateful no lives were lost, but this is a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving.”
An investigation is ongoing, and police are asking any additional witnesses to come forward.
