A Smithfield church was heavily damaged Tuesday morning after a car ran off the roadway and plowed into the front of the building.
The early morning accident happened at the Freedom Baptist Church located at N. Brightleaf Boulevard and Hancock Street. The driver and two children were briefly trapped inside their car after it ran off the roadway and into the church. They were transported to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Church pastor Mike Walls said it was the third time in recent years the church has been struck. Due to the extensive damage, a portion of the building was condemned and power was disconnected.
Officials have not determined the extent of the structural damage, repair costs or when they might be able to reopen. Despite the damages, the church still plans to hold services somewhere Sunday morning.
Smithfield Police are investigating the collision.
