Mobile bank branch deployed

PERKINS TWP. — A bank damaged by a runaway pickup truck last week has continued operations from a mobile branch in its parking lot. But the PNC Bank building in Perkins Township, which suffered major damage in a crash last week, expects to open its doors again very soon. Those representing the bank gave an update on what customers can expect. What happened? At approximately 11:20 p.m. on Thursday, a 32-year-old Sandusky man sustained a medical episode while driving, lost control of his vehicle and drove directly into the PNC Bank at the corner of Milan (U.S. 250) and East Strub roads. The driver suffered minor injuries. After firefighters mechanically extricated him from the wrecked vehicle, first responders transported the man to a local hospital. This PNC Bank represented the only in-person operational branch left in Sandusky. Two others — on West Washington Street (U.S. 6) and at Columbus Avenue and West Perkins Avenue — closed in 2013, and 2023, respectively. They both remain vacant structures to this day. What's new? PNC officials alleviated the situation by deploying a "fully operational PNC mobile branch" in the bank's parking lot, according to Craig Friedman, vice president of regional communications for PNC. "The branch allows existing and new customers to conduct a wide range of transactions, like opening checking accounts, applying for credit or debit cards or applying for loan," Friedman said. The mobile branch also has a fully functioning ATM. None of the safe deposit boxes present at the bank were damaged in the crash. "Customers seeking access to safe deposit boxes are advised to call the branch and schedule an appointment," Friedman said. A quick turnaround on repairs is expected. Bankers expect to have a hybrid of the mobile branch and limited services inside the bank building by Wednesday, Friedman said. The mobile branch will remain on site until Thursday. "We aim to have the impacted branch location operational by the end of this week," Friedman said.