Five injured when van crashes into apartment for seniors

ST. CLOUD (AP) -- Five tenants of an independent-living apartment complex were injured Tuesday when a van crashed into the complex's lobby and lounge area, authorities said.

The crash at Benet South Place happened around 7 p.m. when a tenant, Elisabeth Oehrlein, struck the accelerator of her van as she was reaching for something, Police Sgt. Mark Moline said. The van crashed through the first set of doors in the entryway of the 40-unit complex, skidded along a wall and crashed into the common area.

Four people who were about to start a card game were injured. Those four and Oehrlein were taken to St. Cloud Hospital. Three were listed in fair condition Wednesday. Oehrlein and another woman were treated and released.

About 45 people live in Benet Place and Benet Place South.