A car crashed through a large plate glass window adjacent to the entrance of the former Bon-Ton department store shortly after 11 a.m. May 20 and penetrated deeply into the building, causing significant interior damage.

Responding Salisbury police found the 80-year-old male driver in the building outside the vehicle requesting a medical response. Emmaus Ambulance Corps responders transported him to a hospital for evaluation of what appeared to be minor injuries.

The Lehigh County 911 Center dispatched Western Salisbury Volunteer Fire Company fire/rescue units 11:15 a.m. for a “high mechanism” motor vehicle accident, signifying a high speed/high impact incident.

Firefighter/rescue personnel had to clear considerable fallen ceiling and wiring debris before tow truck operators from Motors Plus, of Emmaus, could begin the extrication of the vehicle. Firefighters had to check hanging wires to assure they were not electrified.

Because of the position of the vehicle after it came to rest after striking an interior pillar, the removal process was anything but straightforward. Motors Plus owner Mike Wilson had to rig a two-point operation to properly align the vehicle for removal. Wilson said he had to unreel more than 100-feet of cable to reach the vehicle.

The department store has been vacant for a number of years and no one was present in the building. The building is scheduled to be demolished in months ahead to make way for a new Giant supermarket to be built on the site.

Salisbury Township police are investigating the incident and have asked anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact the police department.