MARGATE, Fla. — A driver lost control of an SUV and crashed into a home in Margate on Friday morning, authorities confirmed.
According to the Margate Police Department, the single-vehicle crash occurred in the 6900 block of Royal Palm Boulevard at about 7 a.m.
Investigators said the SUV struck and destroyed a metal bar barrier and fence before slamming into the home of Gabrielle Santiago.
Police confirmed that no injuries were reported.
Local 10’s Jolena Esperto was at the scene, where a gray SUV ended up upside down, touching a window where Santiago said she had been sleeping beside her 3-year-old daughter when the crash occurred.
“We were sleeping and all the sudden we heard a bit (of) loud thunder,” Santiago said. “When I heard the noise, I just grabbed my daughter and ran out cause I didn’t know what it was I came outside and there was the car.”
Santiago told Esperto that if the SUV had been an inch closer, it could have shattered the window next to her bed.
Another window near her headboard was damaged, but she said the glass shattered from flying fence debris rather than direct impact from the SUV.
Santiago said the driver, who she described as a young man, had to crawl out of the overturned SUV through the shattered window.
The damaged SUV, which had blown-out windows and heavy damage to the top, side and front, was later towed from the scene.
Santiago said her biggest loss was nothing compared with what it could have been.
“I’m just thankful to God that we are all OK, and the driver,” Santiago said. “I’m thankful for the driver too. (It’s) scary for the driver himself.”
Police said the crash caused minimal structural damage to the home, including broken windows and slight exterior damage.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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