'People flying, chairs flying': Driver crashes into Social Security building, 1 critically injured

A New Jersey woman drove into a Social Security building Tuesday morning, critically wounding one person, according to local police, who said the collision appeared to be accidental.

Another person suffered serious injuries and 18 other people had minor wounds from the accident in Egg Harbor Township, near Atlantic City, the Egg Harbor Township Police Department said.

The crash took place just before 10 a.m. when Donna Woodall, 56, crashed her vehicle into the building, according to authorities.

"Before I saw the car, I smelled the engine burning. ... I heard a huge boom and it sounded like a bomb," Andy LaLasis, who was injured in the crash, told ABC News. "I'm looking over my shoulder and I'm seeing a car come through the wall."

Multiple people in the building's front lobby were hit either by the car or debris, police said.

"It just happened so quickly ... people flying, chairs flying," LaLasis said.

He described it as "mass chaos" as those around him screamed and cried and were placed on gurneys.

"It was completely frightening," LaLasis said, adding that he feels grateful to be alive.

Woodall, of Atlantic City, and the passengers in her car, were among those taken to hospitals, police said.

The building has since been deemed safe, police said.

"Any possible charges are pending completion of the investigation," police added.