Fredericton Antique Store Closes Indefinitely After Truck Crash

UPDATE: A beloved antique store in Fredericton has been forced to close indefinitely following a devastating truck crash late Sunday night. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. when a large truck collided with the front of Chase Benjamin Antiques, leaving the store owner scrambling for support from the community.

Miraculously, no one was inside the shop at the time of the accident, and both the truck driver and residents in the building behind the store emerged unharmed. However, the damage is extensive, with the front wall and one side wall of the building caving in due to the impact. “This situation could have been much, much worse than it was, and I am so thankful that everyone is OK,” said owner Chase Plourde in a heartfelt public statement.

The crash has resulted in a boarded-up storefront as the owner engages in discussions with police and landlords regarding the next steps. Four other tenants have been temporarily displaced while officials assess the structural integrity of the building. One impacted tenant, Ralph MacFarlane, shared his terrifying experience: “I’m watching TV and all of a sudden it kicked off the stand and kicked me off onto the floor,” he recalled. “My bathroom wall kicked out in towards my unit, so I could see down through my bathroom to the ground floor.”

The destruction extends to the antiques themselves, with several items, including those on consignment, severely damaged. “Several shelves of things, my cabinets, consigners’ items that I was selling for other people, so I have to pay that money back,” Plourde lamented.

In response to the crisis, Plourde’s partner and friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise funds for damages, lost sales, and potential relocation expenses. “I am taking this time to think about how to move forward as well as raise money to help the business get running again,” Plourde stated on the crowdfunding platform.

Despite the chaos, the overwhelming support from the community has provided a silver lining. Many residents have reached out with messages of encouragement and offers of assistance. “I don’t want this to be the end of the shop … maybe it can be a new beginning?” Plourde expressed, fostering hope amid the devastation.

As of now, the Fredericton Police are investigating the incident, and the total cost of damages is still unknown but is expected to be significant, estimated at over $10,000. The community’s response and solidarity could play a crucial role in helping Chase Benjamin Antiques recover from this unfortunate event.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds.