Chabad-Lubavitch officials urged people everywhere to pray for the victims of a Thursday afternoon traffic accident that sent a vehicle careening through the window of a Chanukah Wonderland workshop in the Long Island community of Woodmere, N.Y.
The directors of Chabad of the Five Towns, the Cedarhurst-based center that operated the workshop in a rented corner storefront, also opened a 24-hour confidential helpline for victims and family members in need of counseling.
Numerous reports, citing statements from emergency personnel, put the latest figures at 14 people injured, among them six children.
“Our hearts and prayers are with those who were injured in today’s accident at the Chanukah Wonderland,” said Rabbi Zalman Wolowik, director of Chabad of the Five Towns, the Cedarhurst-based center that operated the workshop. “At this time, all information points to this being an unfortunate incident, wherein a car accidentally crashed through the building housing our community’s family Chanukah celebration.”
Eyewitnesses described a speeding BMW approaching the intersection before veering to the left, into a parked vehicle, knocking the second car onto the sidewalk before slamming into the building. Police identified the driver as a 76-year-old man.
One of the victims was evacuated from the scene by air ambulance. All 14 were taken to three area hospitals, Newsday reported, where they were visited by staff members of the Chabad center.
Chabad of the Five Towns has operated a Chanukah Wonderland at different locations for about 10 years. An ever-expanding program, the workshop teaches children and their families about the eight-day Festival of Light through a variety of stations and games.
Nassau Police Det. Lt. Kevin Smith told reporters that investigators are initially treating the incident as an accident.
“Chabad of the Five Towns’ main priority at this time is to ensure that each of the injured individuals is cared for by medical personnel, and that they and their families are safe,” Zalman Wolowik said Thursday night. “We are doing whatever we possibly can for the families during this difficult time. We are also focusing on providing licensed counselors around the clock to anyone affected, directly or indirectly, by the accident.
“We urge every person to keep the victims in your prayers, and we encourage everyone to undertake an additional good deed in their merit.”
Information on the helpline set up by Chabad of the Five Towns, as well as a list of participating agencies and therapists, can be found at the center’s Web site by clicking here.
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