West Warwick police investigate car crash into family business

WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — A car crashed through a family business in West Warwick early Wednesday morning, sending two people to the hospital.

“It’s devastating…it is. There’s nothing left!” said the homeowner’s sister, Deb Berardis.

A corner of a home in West Warwick is missing after a car came crashing through the wall early Wednesday morning.

“It’s kind of scary. I’m kind of holding back tears a little bit so…” said Jeffrey Tabele, the next-door neighbor.

“Once a week. You know, cars flipping over stuff like that. People rear-ending each other, it’s kind of a bad intersection there should be some sort of light.” Tabele continued.

The driver was taken to the hospital, but police tell ABC6 no serious injuries were reported. 

Power and electricity have been cut off inside and the family said most of the damage happened to the business, not the home.

“My sister has a lot of faith. She’s a very faithful woman. And the salon is busy, they’re always working one or another, my sister is in her 70’s she still works.” said Berardis.

“Because my sister loves this photo, it’s them on a cruise. And they’ve had it in there forever. Everything…literally, this was the only thing that’s whole. And it’s not even – so I’m going to reframe it for them.” Berardis continued.

Deb went back into the home after the crash to grab a family photo, telling ABC6 she grew up in the home.

“Oh honey, I was born here. But she has had her salon here for 51 years, and this is her daughter who’s been here forever.” said Berardis.

Her sister, the salon owner, was also taken to the hospital to be checked out for a heart issue.

Police are still investigating what led to this accident.