‘It was messy’: Residents discuss relocation after car crashed into Carolina Forest complex

Ashley Greene was working from home last week at her Canterbury apartment when her power suddenly went out.

She looked outside, and saw Horry County Fire Rescue vehicles. It was later learned that a vehicle had crashed into the apartment complex.

By the end of the weekend, she and her family and pets were relocatedinto a new apartment.

On March 16, several residents were forced to leave their apartment homes in the Carolina Forest area after a 2009 Ford Focus had crashed into the main power bank at a two story, 20-unit building on Canterbury Drive.

The driver was uninjured, and will not face any charges, according to South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Lena Butler.

The Horry County fire department responded to the scene, and called electric company Santee Cooper, which then cut off power to the entire building, according to an incident report.

Horry County Code Enforcement, who was at the scene, deemed the entire building uninhabitable, the report from the fire department says.

On the day of the crash, Greene said the apartment staff offered little assistance during the entire experience. The only thing she got help with for the move were boxes.

“I understand that it wasn’t planned or anything,” Greene said. “But you know, we kind of were kicked out of our homes so suddenly.”

Canterbury Apartments did not immediately respond to a request for comment made by the Sun News on Tuesday. It’s unclear how long repairs will take or the cost of damage.

According to Greene, other residents weren’t as lucky to have family nearby to help out. One resident had to move her things with a wagon.

“It was messy,” Greene said.

The Red Cross confirmed they were helping residents with relocation, but it is unclear how many were receiving assistance.