Garbage truck crashes into Cape Girardeau apartment building

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo.(KBSI) — A garbage truck crashed into an apartment building early Friday morning, leaving residents in shock.

Cape Girardeau Fire Chief Randy Morris said crews responded to the District Apartment Complex at 600 Spring Street just before 7 a.m. after a garbage truck veered off the road and crashed into the building.

Amy Reinagel, a nearby resident, said she was out for her morning walk when she saw the damage.

“When I walked over here, I could see the truck through the building,” Reinagel said. “I’ve lived lots of places and I’ve never in my life seen anything like it.”

Morris said the truck plowed three quarters of the way into the building, trapping the driver inside.

“From our initial response, we upgraded the alarm to a first alarm assignment, which brought all the city fire stations to the scene,” Morris said. Other crews, including Homeland Security Region E teams, also responded.

Rescue crews used a tow truck to pull the vehicle from the building before they could reach the driver.

“The driver had to be extricated, and at this time we can confirm he was deceased upon removal from the vehicle,” Morris said.

The driver was the only casualty at the scene.

Morris describes the feelings of the residents as the day transpired.

“They were obviously concerned,” Morris said. “They wanted to get back inside to retrieve personal items, but the building remains unsafe.”

Neighbors said they believe the driver was a familiar face on his regular route.

“If it’s the same one that has always been delivering over here, he was a very nice gentleman, hardworking,” Reinagel said. “I think this was just an unfortunate, unexpected event. Prayers to the driver and his family.”

Witnesses said that as the truck was inside the building, they saw a white dove fly out from the wreckage. Saying their thoughts and prayers go out to the families involved.