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Driver hospitalized after crashing into Largo church

 
Firefighters work Monday to board up a hole in the wall at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on Highland Avenue in Largo after a minivan plowed onto it, injuring the driver.
Firefighters work Monday to board up a hole in the wall at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on Highland Avenue in Largo after a minivan plowed onto it, injuring the driver.
Published April 23, 2013

LARGO — A motorist was injured Monday when his vehicle crashed into a church.

The accident occurred about 8 a.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1199 S Highland Ave.

The driver of a Toyota minivan southbound on Highland Avenue lost control of his vehicle, crossed the church lawn and slammed into the side of the church, Largo Fire Rescue district chief Keith Daliendo said.

The impact left a hole about 5 feet wide in an empty hallway of the church.

The driver, whom officials did not immediately identify, was taken to Bayfront Medical Center. No one inside the church was hurt, Daliendo said.

Arch Johnston, executive director of church administration, said the damage to the building will be covered through the driver's insurance and church insurance.

He said the hallway, which is behind the church sanctuary, and part of the hand bell practice room were damaged, but he hadn't been told how much it would cost to fix the rooms.

"Our first and foremost concern is that the gentleman was okay," he said. "Things can be replaced and fixed. People can't."