The driver who slammed her SUV into a Planet Fitness in New Jersey on Tuesday afternoon, leading to one death and multiple injuries, won’t face criminal charges.
The incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. when a 69-year-old woman plowed her maroon Jeep through a bank of windows at the gym on Newark Avenue in Elizabeth.
A 72-year-old man, who was exercising near the windows, was declared dead at the scene, Elizabeth City Spokeswoman Ruby Contreras told NJ Advance Media. His identity has not been released at the request of his family.
A 59-year-old man working out on a treadmill sustained cuts and abrasions, while the driver was injured when her airbags deployed. Their identities have also been withheld.
“All individuals who were hospitalized have since been released,” Contreras said Wednesday.
While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, Contreras confirmed the driver will not be charged with a crime. Contreras said the woman has been cooperating with police.
Graphic video posted on social media shows the chaotic scene after the crash, with the SUV completely inside the gym. Several people can be heard crying as others pull the debris off one of the victims lying on the floor.
The building was closed by a structural engineer in the wake of the crash, and there is no timetable for it to reopen.
“At Planet Fitness, the safety of our employees, members, and guests is a top priority, and we are extremely saddened by this tragic accident and loss of life,” Planet Fitness told the Daily News on Tuesday. “Our thoughts are with the member’s family and those impacted during this difficult time, and we are grateful to the first responders who provided immediate assistance.”
