By Crash News Writer 
Chatham, NY (October 3, 2026) – A 40-year-old store employee suffered serious injuries after a vehicle crashed into a convenience store in Columbia County on Thursday morning. The October 1 accident occurred at the Stewart’s Shops location at 30 Church Street in the Village of Chatham.
According to the Chatham Police Department, an 82-year-old woman driving a Honda Civic was pulling into a parking space outside the store at approximately 10 a.m. when the vehicle accelerated through the parking spot and struck the building.
The Honda crashed through the front and side portion of the store near a restroom. A 40-year-old employee was inside the restroom at the time and became trapped when the vehicle struck the building.
Emergency personnel worked to free the injured employee. The Chatham Rescue Squad then transported her to Albany Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries.
Additional information about the worker’s condition was not immediately available.
Protect Your Rights After an Accident Today
A vehicle crashing into a building can cause serious injuries to people who have no opportunity to avoid the impact. Understanding car accident laws in New York can help injured victims learn more about their rights and possible options for recovering compensation.
When someone is injured while working, the circumstances can also involve more than one type of insurance claim. Depending on the facts, an injured worker may have a workers’ compensation claim while also having a potential claim involving the driver or another responsible party. Medical records, photographs, witness statements, surveillance footage, and reports prepared after the crash may become important evidence.
People searching for a car accident near me or car accident near Chatham may want to obtain the official car accident report when it becomes available. A car accident report may contain important information about what responding authorities documented at the scene. Following a car accident near me or car accident near Chatham, injured victims can speak with an attorney about their rights before resolving an insurance claim.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This report is based on information available following the collision and may change if authorities release additional details. Readers looking for general information after a serious crash can review frequently asked questions in New York.
- A 40-year-old store employee suffered serious injuries after becoming trapped inside the building.
- Emergency personnel removed the worker before she was transported to Albany Medical Center.
- The vehicle reportedly entered the building while the driver was attempting to pull into a parking space.
Victims and families seeking additional guidance after a serious collision can review accident resources in New York.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports available at the time of publication, and details may change as additional information becomes available. Readers should seek legal counsel if they or someone they know has been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this information. Learn more through our disclaimer.
If you were seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle or in another traffic-related incident, contact a New York personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your rights and potential options for compensation.