LYNNE, FL (352today.com) – Businesses in a quiet strip mall in a community in the Ocala Forest will be closed for some time.

On Monday evening around 8 p.m., the Florida Highway Patrol says a vehicle left the roadway, careened into parked vehicles, hit a tree, flipped over and burst into flames. The crash killed the 63-year-old driver. Soon the fire spread to the building.

“I got a call and a video showing the building on fire, with a car that appeared to be on its side or flipped over. It was hard to see through the flames,” said Elena Touhey, Forest Veterinary Clinic office manager.

The scent of soot permeates the air around the building at 14141 State Road 40 whose tenants include Premier Pediatrics and Forest Veterinary Clinic.

Troopers say the car crashed into a strip mall that houses a veterinary clinic and pediatrician’s office, sparking a fire. Both businesses are closed until further notice. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
The unit on the end that sustained the most damage was vacant. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
No client animals were in the clinic when the fire broke out. A clinic cat got out safely. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Premier Pediatrics was closed on Tuesday from the damage to the building. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Troopers say the driver missed the curve, lost control and crashed into a tree before catching on fire. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
The fire caused extensive damage to the end unit of the small office building. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Fortunately, the accident happened after normal business hours. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

“We’re not going to be operational for a few days,” said Touhey. “There’s a lot of sooty debris. The smoke smell is really strong. My staff was here last night until the wee hours of the morning. They live a little bit closer than I do. They were here in a matter of minutes from the time they were made aware of what was going on. They were on standby if there was anything they could do to help.”

The side of the building that sustained the preponderance of the damage, was deeply charred. Windows are broken out, from the stress of heat exposure. Debris litters the area. Vinyl gutters, charred wood and bricks – the remnants of what used to be.

But people who work there say they’re thankful as things could’ve been much worse.

“The end office, which took the brunt of it, was recently vacated, so it was an empty office at that side of the building,” said Touhey. “There were no patients in the clinic at that time. Our clinic cat was immediately rescued and taken out.”

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The Forest Veterinary Clinic has been a mainstay within the community for more than a quarter of a century. B.J. Taylor, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, helped found the animal hospital in 1985. He continues to provide veterinary care to pet owners in Silver Springs and the surrounding area. Many of the members of the staff have worked for Dr. Taylor for decades and were unsettled by the events.

“I’ve been here since 1988. It hurts our heart,” said Touhey. “All of my co-workers have lot of years here with me. We’re all dedicated to serving the community. Every one of my girls are fantastic. They’re all working feverishly to get the office cleaned up, so that we could continue to provide what the community needs.”

The Silver Springs location of Premier Pediatrics was closed on Tuesday also. Plans do call for it to reopen, according to a woman who answered the phone, but didn’t want to be identified.

It’s too soon to know when either business will reopen but both were working with their patients to reschedule and make alternate arrangements.

“We are dedicated to this forest, and we’re going to be up and running as fast as we can,” said Touhey. “I have the best staff in this industry. There are none better.”