KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A vehicle slammed into a commercial building on West Street Saturday afternoon, leaving part of the structure damaged and forcing the business to close while repairs and inspections are completed.

According to the Keene Fire Department, emergency crews were dispatched to 268 West St. just after 12:3o p.m. Saturday after reports of a vehicle that had struck a building. The first firefighters arrived within minutes and found an electric vehicle lodged in the structure after crashing through an exterior wall.

The impact caused significant damage to the building’s brick facade, including a section of wall that was left unsupported. Inside the business, the vehicle struck shelving and merchandise displays, causing additional damage to products and interior finishes.

Firefighters said the building had already been evacuated when crews arrived. The driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was able to exit on their own and was evaluated at the scene for injuries. The individual later went to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The affected building houses a retail store and pharmacy. Officials said customers and employees were inside at the time of the crash, but no injuries were reported among those occupants.

After assessing the damage, incident commanders requested specialized structural collapse resources to help stabilize the compromised wall and ensure the area was safe for pedestrians and nearby occupants. Firefighters secured the scene and completed temporary stabilization measures until the property owner can arrange permanent repairs.

The vehicle was removed from the building by fire department personnel and later towed from the scene. Officials described the vehicle as sustaining moderate front-end damage.

The business will remain closed until repairs are completed and utility systems are inspected.

Fourteen members of the Keene Fire Department responded to the incident, with Engine 1, Engine 2, Ladder 2, Tower 1, Ambulance 4 and several support units assigned. During the response, fire stations in Keene were covered by personnel from the Surry and Jaffrey fire departments, along with Rescue Inc. of Brattleboro, which also assisted with additional emergency calls in the city.

The store’s manager clarified that the store remains open its regular hours while repairs are coordinated.

Fire officials said a damage estimate was not immediately available.