WEST YELLOWSTONE — A rental vehicle crashed into the Craddleboard Gift Shop on Friday afternoon, causing significant damage but no injuries to employees.
The incident occurred when a Jeep drove through the side of the family-owned shop, shattering glass and displacing merchandise. Authorities confirmed that the crash resulted in an estimated $17,000 in damages.
The West Yellowstone Police Department reported that the driver was operating a rental car and that no drugs or alcohol were involved. The driver stated the incident was accidental. The shop operator, Jennifer Reinsch, described the moment the crash occurred, noting that her father-in-law was behind the counter and narrowly avoided being struck.
“Glass shattered around him, and he was briefly buried under debris,” Reinsch said. Witnesses reported the vehicle penetrated several feet into the store, leading to scattered items throughout the retail space.
Cleanup efforts are ongoing, and the shop remains open to customers through a single entrance while repairs are planned for May. The shop, which sells Yellowstone-themed souvenirs, has been a local staple for decades. Reinsch reassured patrons that insurance is expected to cover the damages.
“The building can be replaced — people can't,” she emphasized, reflecting on the incident's impact.