Minivan Crashes Into Bird Mania

Western Salisbury firefighters worked quickly to shepherd numerous exotic birds to safety and warmth Tuesday morning after a minivan crashed into Bird Mania, 3235 W. Emmaus Ave.

The accident occurred at around 9:30 a.m. when a man plowed the Kia minivan he was driving into the front of the store.

None of the birds died in the impact, but Bird Mania owner Debbie Lentz and an employee Sarah Ayers said the birds were upset and were at risk of dying from the trauma.

"I'm very upset. But the birds are alive and that's all that matters," Lentz said.

Salisbury Township Police Officer Bryan Losagio arrived shortly after the accident and said the birds were squawking so loudly he could barely hear his police radio.

A few birds appeared to have escaped from their cages but were eventually found. Oliver, a 13-year-old scarlet macaw, was the last bird to be rescued.

Cheers erupted from employees and friends when firefighters emerged with the large colorful bird in his cage who has been a fixture at the store for years.

Lentz, who was in the bathroom at the back of the store at the time of the accident, ran out when she heard an explosion.

"I saw things like seed and bird toys flying through the air. I ran to the counter and called 911," she said.

The driver, a young man who appeared to be in his 20s, was still in the driver seat and his car wheels were spinning, police said.

"I kept screaming, 'Shut off your car! Shut off your car!," Lentz said.

Salisbury Township Police Officer Mike Palansky, who arrived shortly after the accident, said the driver was injured and combative.

"It appeared he might have had a seizure," Palansky said.

The name of the driver has not been released yet.