By Madina Toure
The Pathmark Plaza in Flushing is now closed after an SUV crashed into the store Tuesday night, injuring five people, including the driver.
A 72-year-old woman driving an SUV crashed into the grocery store at 31-06 Farrington St. at around 6 p.m., according to a police spokesman.
The victims, including the driver, were taken to area hospitals with minor injuries and the investigation is ongoing, the spokesman said.
The cause of the crash was not immediately known.
“We had an unfortunate situation occur yesterday when a car drove into our store. We are fully cooperating with the authorities during their investigation and all inquiries can be directed to them,” said Joanne Fischetti, communications & training manager for The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Pathmark’s parent. “The store is currently closed. We are working diligently to repair the damage, clean the store and reopen for our customers as soon as possible.
The city Department of Buildings issued a vacate order for the store, according to a DOB spokesman.
“The department was on scene following the incident,” the spokesman said. “A vacate order was issued for the grocery store due to severed sprinkler and electric lines. The structural stability of the building was not compromised.”
The 109th Precinct cautioned residents against going to the Pathmark due to the crash on its Twitter account when it was on the scene.
State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) is asking city and state agencies to launch an investigation into the conditions at and around the site, which include potholes, uneven roadbeds, litter, excess debris, deteriorating structures and rodents.
He said of the building’s three current owners — Feinrose Associates, Farrington Flushing Properties and Downing Street Realty — only Downing Street Realty has been responsive meeting with Avella and removing debris.
“It is high time that these companies address the dangerous conditions at the Pathmark Plaza, so that our community can enjoy a clean and safe shopping center,” Avella said.
Reach reporter Madina Toure by e-mail at mtour
