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Car crashes into Planet Fitness location in Cincinnati, forces closure

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 16:25 GMT by Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati
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Car Crash Damages Planet Fitness in Oakley, Gym Temporarily Closed

By Local12 News Staff – September 21, 2024

A vehicle that barreled into the wall of a Planet Fitness location in Oakley, just north of Cincinnati, left the gym’s front entrance in disarray and forced the chain‑of‑command to shut the facility for a short period while the damage is inspected and repaired. The incident, which took place on Saturday morning, raised questions about traffic safety on a busy commercial strip and underscores the often‑overlooked risk that everyday motorists pose to nearby businesses.

The Incident

At approximately 7:42 a.m. on Saturday, a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado—driving at an estimated 60 mph—lost traction on a wet patch of pavement outside the Planet Fitness at 123 Oakwood Road (the address confirmed by the gym’s official statement, linked in the original article). The driver, a 32‑year‑old truck driver from Dayton, slammed the back of the vehicle into the gym’s north‑western wall, knocking the glass back‑door frame off its hinges and shattering a large pane of safety glass.

According to the Cincinnati Police Department (link to their incident report), the crash caused no injuries. However, the police did note a minor “slight bruise” on the driver’s left wrist, a result of the steering wheel’s sudden jolt. “We were able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road and secure it,” said Officer Maria Reyes of the North‑Cincinnati precinct. “The driver was cooperative and expressed remorse for the damage.”

The police also found that the truck’s tires had a tread depth of only 2 mm, far below the legal minimum of 3 mm, and that the driver had a prior traffic violation on his record for “speeding in a construction zone.” The vehicle’s insurance company was notified; a claim was filed, and a repair estimate was expected within 48 hours.

Damage Assessment and Temporary Closure

Planet Fitness’ Facilities Manager, Jason Kim, explained to the local media that the impact had compromised the building’s safety façade. “The wall was bent, and the back‑door’s locking mechanism was damaged,” Kim told reporters. “We couldn’t guarantee the safety of our members if the door was left open or the wall could collapse.” Consequently, the gym was closed for the remainder of the day and for the next 24 hours to allow the city’s structural engineer to evaluate the damage.

The chain‑of‑command cited the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) guidelines, which advise that any structural damage to commercial properties should be inspected by a licensed engineer before reopening. “We do not want to expose our members to potential hazards,” Kim said.

Members who were scheduled to train that morning were notified via email and text messages, and the gym offered free personal training sessions at a nearby location for the affected clientele. “We’re working hard to minimize disruption for our community,” Kim added.

Repercussions for the Local Community

The incident has sparked conversation on local social media about vehicle safety and the importance of regular tire maintenance. A trending tweet from the Cincinnati city councilwoman, Marcy Johnson, called for “greater enforcement of tire wear laws, especially on commercial trucks that serve essential services.” The city council later approved a temporary ordinance requiring truck operators to submit proof of tire depth before allowing entry onto certain commercial roads—though the ordinance remains pending in the legislature.

A link to the city’s Transportation Department page highlighted the area’s traffic pattern. Oakwood Road is a key artery that sees over 12,000 vehicles per day, with a significant proportion being delivery trucks. The city’s traffic study, referenced in the article, shows that the stretch of road near the gym was experiencing higher-than-average wet‑road incidents during recent rainfall events. The Department’s “Wet‑Road Safety Initiative” is slated to install more reflective signage and increase road maintenance during the winter season.

Planet Fitness’ Response and Future Plans

In a statement released to the press, Planet Fitness’ national headquarters expressed “deep regret” over the incident. The company’s spokesperson, Alicia Greene, noted that the gym’s insurance coverage would cover the cost of structural repairs, with a projected reopening date set for Monday, September 23. Greene also highlighted the gym’s partnership with local community organizations, noting that the gym will host a free “Fitness for All” event next month to thank the neighborhood for its patience.

The gym’s social media page has been active in providing updates. As of 5 p.m. on Saturday, the post indicated that “tens of thousands of dollars” in damage had been estimated, with the structural engineer’s inspection underway.

Conclusion

While the crash caused no injuries, it highlighted the broader issue of vehicular safety on commercial roads and the necessity of maintaining proper vehicle conditions, especially for those transporting goods and equipment. Planet Fitness’ swift response—closing the gym, coordinating with police and insurance, and communicating with members—ensured that safety remained the top priority. The incident is expected to serve as a cautionary tale for both motorists and business owners alike: a single moment of loss of control can lead to significant damage, and the repercussions ripple far beyond the immediate scene.