JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A car smashed into a home early Saturday morning in the Harborview neighborhood, off Lem Turner Road.
“It felt like a bomb exploded to be honest with you,” said a resident who lives inside the home with his family. He asked for his name not to be published with this story. “A big bomb exploded and everything went everywhere.”
Pieces of concrete and debris could be seen all over the front and side of the property. Electrical wires were down, and JEA had to cut off power and running water until repairs could be made. The family has set up a GoFundMe account to raise money to help with the cost of repairing the home.
The man told News4Jax a car driving on Clyde Drive after midnight ran off the road and right into his living room. Four people were inside at the time. No one was hurt.
“My family was scared,” he said.
“I was on the other side laying on the couch watching TV when I heard a big explosion,” the man said.
He said he ducked behind his couch, but he recognized the sound.
Two and a half years ago, the family said, the same thing happened and just two weeks ago, another car went into a different house in their neighborhood.
BREAKING — a car ran into a home and smashed thru a living room in the Haborview neighborhood. 4 people were home at the time. No one was hurt. People who live here say this isn’t the first time this has happened. “It was like a bomb went off.” LIVE from the scene @ 6 @wjxt4 pic.twitter.com/U1x72h3pbl
— Brittany Muller (@BrittMullerNews) March 6, 2021
“I tried to contact my city councilman, but we need some curbs on the side for protection,” he said. “We could save a life or lose a life to be honest with you. That’s why I’m here tonight. I’m pleading to the city of Jacksonville to do something about this curve. If you look out there, the city lights are on, but they’re dim and this is a winding corner.”
City Council has been listening to people about a petition to address issues on Soutel Drive, which is around the corner from Clyde Drive, but residents in this area are concerned that the city might be addressing the wrong problem.
News4Jax reached out to City Councilwoman Brenda Priestly Jackson, who represents the area, for comment, but we have not heard back yet. We will update if we get a response.
New4Jax also has reached out to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for more information about the crash.
There are two schools in the immediate area.