Felicia Thomas and Kayelee Silva recovering after Austin Dollar Tree accident

On Tuesday, December 3rd, at approximately 4:08 p.m., a gray 2013 Toyota passenger car driven by 90-year-old Howard Steward of Scottsburg accidentally accelerated through the front entrance of the Austin Dollar Tree. The incident left two women, Felicia Thomas and Kayelee Silva, injured.

Felicia Thomas was exiting the store when she was struck by the vehicle. The impact threw her onto the hood as the car entered the building. She was flung onto the window frame after the Steward reportedly turned the wheel. Thomas suffered a hematoma on her head, multiple cuts and bruises, a broken nose, and severe knee injuries that required surgery. She was taken to Scott Norton Hospital in Scottsburg, where stat flight was awaiting to take her to the University of Louisville Hospital. Thomas stayed for three days before being released to recover at home. Her mother, Diane Williams, described her pain as “excruciating.”

Kayelee Silva, the second woman injured, was reportedly struck by a store fixture that was pushed into her by the vehicle. She allegedly suffered injuries to her leg. Silva said she is still visiting doctors due to her injuries she sustained.

The driver, Howard Steward, was evaluated by EMS at the scene and released.

Despite the severity of the accident, both women are now focusing on recovery. Friends, family and strangers are praying for the women to have a speedy recovery. Everyone is grateful and thankful the accident had no fatalities. As of press deadline, the Dollar Tree's entrance was still awaiting repair.