Auto hits building in downtown New Albany

A car ran into a building in downtown New Albany Monday evening causing some structural damage, but no injuries to people.

A motorist ran into the building at 119 West Bankhead Street at about 8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9. The building houses Magnolia Soap and Bath Company on the ground floor and an apartment on the second floor.

Although there was significant structural damage to the building, there were no injuries. The apartment was occupied at the time, but it is not believed that anyone was in the retail shop.

A New Albany Fire Department crew uses specialized hydraulic equipment to temporarily and safely shore up the damaged building.

Attorney Bill Rutledge, owner of the building and occupant of the apartment, said he heard the loud noise, but was not aware the building had been struck until somebody called him. His wife Gayle was away from home attending a dance recital in Oxford.