Butler branch of Armco Credit Union closes temporarily following garbage truck crash
The Armco Credit Union’s headquarters remained closed Wednesday, Jan. 8, due to potential structural damage the building sustained in a Tuesday crash, when a garbage truck barreled into the business.
The credit union on Hollywood Drive will be closed for the immediate future while repairs are made. On Wednesday morning, the garbage truck remained stuck in the building, its front end protruding into the area where tellers once worked.
CEO Randy Cypher contacted customers by email Wednesday, saying that while the Butler location is temporarily closed, other branches and online options remain available.
To help supplement people in the area with in-person banking needs, Armco has extended its Butler County Community College branch hours this week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Student Success Center on the second floor.
“The safety of our staff, members and community is our highest priority. While buildings can be rebuilt, the well-being of our people is irreplaceable,” Cypher said. “We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the first responders for their swift and professional actions.”
The credit union as a whole remains “fully operational,” Michele Jurysta, marketing manager with the credit union, said Wednesday. Some employees are working from home during the repairs, with others working from Armco’s Mars branch, 1031 Aster Way.
“The call center is currently working out of the Mars branch, as well as other administrative positions,” Jurysta said.
She said the credit union is encouraging members to use online and mobile banking and that there are many surcharge-free ATMs in the area that can be located via the website.
The bank’s closure comes after a Waste Management garbage truck crashed into the side of the building Tuesday. The truck slid down a hillside near the credit union before crashing head-on into the business.
As of Wednesday, Jurysta said that the truck had not yet been removed, citing potential structural damage as the reason and saying more assessments by engineers are needed.
“It struck us near the drive-through area facing Hansen Avenue,” Jurysta said. “Interior-wise it struck the teller area. We are very lucky no one was injured. We have several tellers in that area of the building, but it was about 15 minutes before opening so we didn't have any cars waiting in the drive-through lane, and the tellers were not yet in position for the day.”
The only person injured from the crash was the driver of the garbage truck, who suffered minor injuries and was to be taken to a hospital, Butler city police said.
“If it occurred during business hours, we would be looking at a different situation right now,” Jurysta said. “I am so thankful the driver is OK.”
Jurysta said the public also can refer to the credit union’s website for further updates on the reopening of the Butler branch.
Waste Management would not make a statement on the status of the driver of the vehicle for privacy reasons.
“WM is investigating the cause of the accident and would like to thank the local first responders for their help at the scene,” said a company spokesperson.
