Five Hurt After SUV Hits Veterinary Clinic

Five people were hurt -- one critically -- when a vehicle hit a veterinary clinic in the Northwest Side Avondale neighborhood Friday night.

The vehicle hit Animal Ark Veterinary Clinic, 3235 N. Kedzie Ave., about 6:30 p.m., officials said. The driver told police she hit a pothole and lost control of the vehicle.

Two staff members were among those injured, said Jennifer Landini, a practice manager at the facility.

“We had to move all our animals to another facility because we have no gas, no heat,” Landini said. “We’re all just trying to figure out our next steps.”

Some people were in the waiting room at the time of the crash, and five people were taken to local hospitals, Fire Media Affairs Chief Juan Hernandez said.

Two people hurt in the crash were taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, one in serious-to-critical condition and another in fair-to-serious condition, Hernandez said.

Two other people were taken to Presence Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center, one in fair-to-serious condition and another in good condition, Hernandez said.

A fifth person went to Swedish Covenant Hospital in fair-to-serious condition, he said. He could not immediately say if they had been in the building or in the vehicle.

Three animals at the front of the people were hit, but weren't seriously injured. A total of 15 animals were transported to another clinic.

Chicago Police are investigating the crash, but had no immediate information Friday night. Inspectors from the city’s Department of Buildings are also being called to evaluate the structure.

Anyone interested in helping the clinic should contact its sister facility, Heal Veterinary Clinic at Irving Park Road and Rockwell Avenue, Landini said.