The San Bernardino Fire Department is investigating after a car plowed through an iconic music store in the city Friday and burst into flames.
Investigators say the driver crashed into Bertrand’s Music, located in the 900 block of east Highland Avenue, after losing control of her vehicle.
Three Bertrand’s employees were inside at the time. They declined to speak on camera.
Firefighters say most of the store and the merchandise is ruined.
Workers at a nearby salon say the driver is a client who was on her way to get her hair done.
“We heard a crash and right away I knew it was a car into the building,” recalled witness Rhonda Zumbro, who said the driver did not appear to be harmed.
“We helped get her out of the car. But she was OK. She went to hit the brake and it wouldn’t work,” Zumbro said.
Firefighters could not confirm that information but say no one was seriously injured.
“We don’t know the mechanics of it – if they stepped on the brakes and the brakes failed, or if they stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake. We don’t know that information,” said San Bernardino Fire Dept. Battalion Chief Alan Duggan.
The driver, whose identity was not released, was taken to the hospital as a precaution.