A large junk removal truck barrelled into the "Homeless Jesus" statue outside a downtown church Monday afternoon after the driver realized he was unable to stop at a red light.

The truck was coming down the Claremont Access onto Victoria Avenue when the driver realized he couldn't stop at the light at King Street East, police said.

To avoid hitting vehicles or pedestrians, the driver steered the truck to the east and mounted the curb at St. Patrick's Church.

The truck hit the bench where "Homeless Jesus" was lying and came to a halt, preventing further injury or damage, police said.

Police said that if the truck had continued in its path, it would have headed into oncoming westbound traffic and pedestrians on King.

The investigation into the crash, including why the truck was unable to stop, continues.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact police at 905-546-4925.

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