SPRINGFIELD TWP., Ohio — One person is dead after Springfield Township police said he drove into a building early Monday morning.
Police said crews responded to the Overflow Ministries Covenant Church on Hamilton Avenue just after 3 a.m. Monday after a fire alarm was activated. When they arrived, crews found that a truck had driven through the front of the building.
Springfield Township Fire and EMS attempted to pull the driver, identified as 53-year-old Blacklick native Sherwood Sills, out of his truck. Officials said he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have not provided any information on what led to the crash. However, officials said no other vehicles are believed to have been involved.
Watch to see how church leaders are pushing forward after the crash damaged their building:
We went out and met with church officials, including Senior Pastor Bennie Fluellen, who were at the scene assessing the damage and cleaning up the rubble.
"When I received the phone call, I, you know, just thought it was somebody (who) just ran into the building. I had no idea of the severity of the accident," Fluellen said.
While our crews were on scene, Fluellen and other church leaders met with experts visiting the site to assess the damage. We saw volunteers come and offer their help to the pastor and team.
"It means a whole lot for people to express that type of care and concern," Fluellen said.
He said his thoughts are with the loved ones of the driver killed in the crash.
"Our condolences are extended to the family," Fluellen said.
The church staff is now seeking a temporary home for their church family, which comprises approximately 200 parishioners.
"There have been a couple of churches, friends who have called and offered their venue or their place as an alternative worship site until we can figure out what's happening and what's going on here," Fluellen said.
Neighboring business owner Angela Sallee said she expects the community to rally for the church that has called that building home since 2008.
"If they need help with money or funds, or raising money or whatever, I think everyone around them would be willing to help them," Sallee said.
Overflow Ministries sent us this GoFundMe link, as the parish is working to raise money to handle the costs of the damage and continue their ministry.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call police at 513-729-1300.
