On Friday afternoon, a car unexpectedly barreled into the VN Nails salon at 2520 SW 22nd Street in Miami, crashing through the front of the building while customers and staff were present, as reported by Telemundo 51.
Despite the severity of the collision, officials confirmed that, fortunately, there were no serious injuries, and no one required hospitalization.
The Moment of Impact
Miami Police officers arrived at the scene around 3:49 p.m. following a report of a single-car accident.
Photographs from the scene depict the vehicle halted amidst the nail salon's workstations, surrounded by overturned chairs, tables, and equipment due to the powerful impact.
Journalist Piter Ortega, covering the incident for Telemundo 51, described the scene as follows:
"The image speaks for itself. A vehicle fully inside this nail salon, surrounded by chairs, tables, and equipment knocked over after crashing through the entrance."
Eyewitness Reaction
A local resident who witnessed the aftermath expressed concern on camera:
"Seeing this, we definitely need to be more cautious, not just us driving, but others too, because this can happen at any moment."
Employee Accounts
Salon employees, who chose to remain off-camera, provided their perspective on the incident.
According to them, the driver was a regular elderly client who was attempting to park when she seemingly hit the accelerator instead of the brake.
CBS Miami noted that the woman is approximately 70 years old, though this information has yet to be officially corroborated.
The Miami Police clarified that this account remains unverified and that the specific circumstances leading to the crash are still being investigated. As of the report, no charges related to the incident had been announced by authorities.
Following the accident, repair teams arrived to board up the damaged entrance, and a flatbed tow truck removed the car from inside the salon.
Common Mistakes with Serious Consequences
Mistaking the accelerator for the brake is a well-documented and recurring issue in the United States, resulting in anything from property damage to fatal tragedies.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that such pedal errors lead to approximately 16,000 accidents annually in the country.
Drivers over 65 years old are involved in such incidents about four times more frequently than other age groups, with parking maneuvers being the most common scenario for these occurrences.
Florida, having one of the largest senior populations in the nation, frequently records these types of incidents.
In October 2025, a rented Tesla crashed into a restaurant in Miami Beach, and weeks later, a car drove into a nightclub in Tampa, resulting in four deaths and over a dozen injuries.
The VN Nails incident, however, unlike those previous cases, did not result in serious casualties, which authorities deemed fortunate given the visible extent of the damage.
Understanding Pedal Errors and Safety Measures
What are common causes of pedal errors in driving?
Pedal errors often occur when a driver mistakenly presses the accelerator instead of the brake. This can happen due to a lack of focus, unfamiliarity with the vehicle, or panic in a stressful situation.
How can older drivers prevent pedal errors?
Older drivers can reduce the risk of pedal errors by regularly assessing their driving skills, ensuring they are familiar with their vehicle's controls, and practicing safe parking techniques. It's also beneficial to avoid distractions and take regular breaks during long drives.