A car crashed into a Sport Clips hair salon in Orland Park on Sunday afternoon, injuring eight people, including the driver. The incident happened around 2 p.m. at the Orland Towne Center, 9239 S. 159th St., according to the Orland Fire Protection District.
The car, driven by a 65-year-old woman, drove through the south wall of the salon, hitting several customers and employees inside. The driver then reversed and hit several parked cars in the lot, officials said. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but authorities said it may have been a medical issue.
Eight people treated at the scene and taken to hospitals
Firefighters and paramedics arrived at the scene and treated eight people, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Four of them were taken to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, one was taken to Northwestern’s Palos Hospital in Palos Heights, and one was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. Two others refused to be transported, officials said.
The salon was severely damaged by the crash, and an adjacent unit also sustained minor damage. The building was deemed unsafe and was closed until further notice. The other businesses in the strip mall were not affected and remained open.
Witnesses describe the chaos and the aftermath
Witnesses who were at the scene described the chaos and the aftermath of the crash. One of them, Mike O’Brien, who works at a nearby store, said he heard a loud bang and saw the car inside the salon. He said he ran over to help and saw people bleeding and screaming.
Another witness, Kelly Smith, who was getting her hair cut at the salon, said she was lucky to escape with minor injuries. She said she saw the car coming through the wall and tried to get out of the way. She said she was grateful to the staff and the first responders who helped her and the others.
