A vehicle has crashed into the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in New York City, causing damage to some of the deeply revered Hasidic Jewish site's doors. The incident occurred on Wednesday night in the Crown Heights neighbourhood of Brooklyn, with no apparent injuries reported.
Driver Detained Following Incident
Chabad Lubavitch spokesperson Motti Seligson confirmed that the driver was detained by police following the collision. "Those are the facts that we know at this point, and we hope to get clarity very soon," Seligson stated. New York police have not yet provided an official comment regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Video Evidence Shows Multiple Impacts
Video footage posted online depicts a car with New Jersey license plates manoeuvring on an icy driveway leading to a building within the complex. The vehicle is seen moving forward and backward before ramming the basement-level doors at least four times. The driver, wearing shorts, emerged from the car and shouted to bystanders that "It slipped," while reportedly telling police something about attempting to park.
Significance of the Headquarters
The Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters, commonly referred to as 770 in reference to the address of the original building, now encompasses multiple adjacent structures. Its distinctive Gothic Revival facade is instantly recognisable to adherents of the Chabad movement and has inspired numerous replicas worldwide.
The headquarters receives thousands of visitors annually, serving as a central hub for the global Chabad Lubavitch community. The building holds profound religious and cultural significance for Hasidic Jews, making the incident particularly concerning for community members.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the precise cause of the crash. While initial reports suggest no malicious intent, the full circumstances remain under review. The incident has drawn attention to security considerations for religious institutions in urban environments.
The damage appears to be limited to the doors of the building, with no structural compromise reported. Community leaders are assessing the extent of the damage and coordinating repairs while awaiting further information from law enforcement officials.
