PINEVILLE, N.C. — A 22-year-old driver died after crashing into the town hall/public library in Pineville on Monday night, police said.
The crash happened around 10 p.m. along Main Street, where the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library shares a building with town hall.
Surveillance video shows a speeding car barreling through the front lawn of the Pineville Town Hall building as sparks flew, before hitting the structure. Watch below:
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According to the Pineville Police Department, the driver, Souleyman Bakayoko, was speeding in a Honda down Main Street before crashing into the community area of the town hall. Officers tried to save him, but he died. The community room is used for early voting and is rented out for businesses.
The fire suppression system was also damaged. The building has power, but no water, and the phone system was compromised. The fire marshal deemed the building unsafe, so the building is expected to be closed this week or until further notice.
Town officials are waiting on word from the fire marshal and engineer before letting people back into the building.
“I do not understand how someone hit the library in that manner on this side. This is the side that’s away from the road,” said resident Hannah Degorter, who was going to the library Tuesday morning.
Police said they are trying to figure out how and why this happened. They’ve been in contact with Bakayoko’s family and are talking with potential witnesses.
Degorter wants to know what happened, too.
“My bigger question is how does this happen, and what can we do to slow down the speeds through here and make it more obvious how cars should drive through this area,” Degorter said.
No other people were hurt. Pineville Police are handling the crash as a death investigation. Crews towed the car overnight.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library officials said patrons can still access resources and services at the other 20 branches.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.