Critical Injury After Vehicle Crashes Into Maggie Valley Business
A tragic incident unfolded in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, when a pickup truck crashed into WNC Chimney Solutions on Dellwood Road, critically injuring an employee.
The crash occurred just before 12:30 p.m. on a Wednesday, with the truck fully entering the building, leaving only a small portion of its rear end visible. Emergency responders, including the Junaluska Fire Department and Haywood County Emergency Services, worked tirelessly for over 45 minutes to extricate the trapped employee. She was then airlifted to a nearby trauma center for urgent medical care.
The employee underwent multiple surgeries, including procedures to address internal bleeding, damage to her diaphragm, removal of her spleen, part of a kidney, and repair of a severely damaged pelvic bone. She remains on a breathing machine and requires a feeding tube. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with authorities noting that speed may have been a contributing factor.
In response to the incident, the owner of WNC Chimney Solutions, Ande Grantham, expressed deep concern for his employee’s well-being. He has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support her family and cover any expenses not addressed by workers’ compensation. The campaign has garnered nearly \$30,000 in donations, reflecting the community’s outpouring of support.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of such accidents and the importance of safety measures in preventing them. The Maggie Valley community continues to rally around the injured employee, offering prayers and assistance during her recovery