SANDSFIELD -- The eight-wheel dump truck that crashed into the historic New Boston Store on Tuesday morning was still lodged inside the convenience store on Wednesday because removing it would cause the building to collapse, according to Massachusetts State Police.
Construction crews are set to be at the store, 110 S. Main St., soon to put up support beams so getting the truck out won't cause the structure to crumble, said Trooper Kenneth Gaetz.
A possible mechanical malfunction with the truck caused the driver, 59-year-old Kenn eth Langdon, to veer into the front and side of the building, taking out the check-out area and some of the food sections in that vicinity.
"Any products in that area are at a total loss," Gaetz said. "Basically, it's quite a bit."
He said that Langdon came around the street corner and veered toward the building in an effort to avoid hitting two construction workers.
"He avoided a possible fatality situation by hitting the building," he said. "I'd rather see a building damaged than two construction workers lose their lives."
There were no injuries reported.
During the initial investigation, Langdon received a civil citation for a marked lines violation, Gaetz said. Further charges may result from the current investigation by the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section of the state police.
A state trooper was at the scene Monday night to deter looters.
The New Boston
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