MANHASSET, N.Y. (1010 WINS) -- A driver was killed Thursday morning when they crashed into the centuries-old Quaker Meeting House in Manhasset, Nassau County police said.
The victim drove a Ford Edge through the intersection at 1421 Northern Blvd. around 5:20 a.m. and careened into the historic building. The vehicle then burst into flames.
“The vehicle is registered to a 41-year-old man who resides in New Rochelle,” Nassau Police Det. Lt. Scott Skrynecki said. “Because of the condition of the body, we have not yet confirmed the identity of the driver.”
It’s unclear what caused the crash. Skrynecki said police are investigating whether the driver suffered a medical episode, or if speed or weather were a factor, noting “it was foggy” at the time of the crash.
The building, which dates back to 1812, sustained significant structural damage, and part of it will need to be rebuilt, officials said.
Meeting House member Dick Lopez said the meeting house is used as both a meeting place and for homeschooling and that the impacted section is a new wing.