Driver Charged After Truck Crashes Into Broughton High Gym Lobby

Raleigh police say 75-year-old William Ingram was picking up his grandson after football practice when he lost control of his vehicle.

Ingram faces charges of unsafe movement. His wife said the family had no comment on the incident.

"His foot slipped off the brake, hit the accelerator and his vehicle sped down the embankment and actually crashed into the lobby area," said Capt. John Annis, of the Raleigh Police Department.

There were no students in the building at the time, but school staff and construction workers were milling around. A student was sitting on the bench outside the building next to a window, which the truck shattered.

"We heard some shattering glass when we were coming down the stairs from the football field," student Bryan Hoffman said.

"I heard the tires squeal, but then I saw the truck coming down the grass and it drove through the gym lobby," said Bryan Cox, who witnessed the accident. "That's the most amazing thing I have ever seen in person."

When everyone realized no one was injured, fear quickly gave way to hugs of relief.

"I was very relieved and amazed because it was a bad accident. He was going really fast," Fox said.

The school completed the new lobby just three months ago. It was Phase Four of a three-year, five-phase renovation. The lobby showcases the schools athletic trophies and awards.

"We're glad that no one got hurt, but we're sort of sad that our brand-new lobby got damaged," said assistant principal Mike Ludwig. "But it will get put back together. We've got good people who will put it back together."

Officials said the accident will not affect plans for the start of school. Students and staff will simply enter the gym from the back side of the building.