A car crashed into a Camp Bow Wow doggy daycare in Bedford Heights, Ohio, early Sunday morning, resulting in a dramatic rescue of 49 dogs. The vehicle veered off Interstate 480, caught fire, and landed on its side inside the building.
Body camera footage captured Bedford Heights police officers pulling the driver to safety from the burning car. Crystal Walko, a neighbor and animal rescuer, described hearing a loud boom and power outage before rushing to the scene to assist. “The electric went out and there was a big boom,” Walko recounted.
Firefighters extinguished the flames and worked quickly to free the dogs from their cages and kennels. Walko, along with rescuers and volunteers, helped guide 48 of the 49 dogs to safety. “It was just like dog comes out, fireman comes out with a dog in his arms, you just grab the dog,” she said.
Tragically, one dog perished due to suspected smoke inhalation. The driver of the car was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. According to Bedford Heights Police Chief Michael Marotta, the driver stated she swerved to avoid another vehicle changing lanes. Initial investigations suggest neither alcohol nor drugs were factors in the Bedford Car Crash.
Camp Bow Wow posted a notice announcing its temporary closure. A manager confirmed that all surviving dogs were either reunited with their owners or relocated to another facility. Chief Marotta commended the collaborative efforts of the police, firefighters, and community members who contributed to the rescue. “The best outcome that we possibly could have happen, happened,” he stated.
Walko, a dog owner herself, expressed her motivation for helping, saying, “I would hope somebody would step in to save my babies, yes.” The Bedford car crash highlights the importance of quick action and community support in emergency situations.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of highway driving and the importance of adhering to traffic laws to prevent accidents like this Bedford car crash.
