Norwich — A driver of a minivan lost control and struck the American Group Building at West Main on West Thames Street on Friday.

Norwich Battalion Chief Greg Despathy said there were no injuries to either of the two occupants of the vehicle. The two people, who were out of the vehicle when the fire department arrived, were checked by medical personnel from Norwich Fire Department and American Ambulance, but refused further treatment.

The driver claimed to have lost brakes and swerved to avoid stopped traffic on West Main Street. The accident was called in by Norwich Fire Department Director of Training and Safety Marc Waters when he came upon the accident just as it happened.

The Norwich Fire Department said in a news release that the vehicle struck the northeast corner of the building about 9 a.m. and damaged its façade and structural support.

"American Group personnel in the building were immediately evacuated," the fire department said in a news release. The American Group building includes American Ambulance, and the fire department said emergency operations were not compromised.

Norwich Building official Dan Coley was working with the property owner and a structural engineer to determine to stability of the structure. The fire department said the structural engineer from CLA Engineering is working "to ensure the building could be re-occupied."

"The vehicle was removed from the building by NFD personnel and towed from the scene," the fire department said. "The NFD was assisted by the Norwich Police, Public Utilities, Public Works, and Building Departments."