1 Dead After Vehicle Slams into Nelson County Courthouse in Bardstown
BARDSTOWN, KY — July 24, 2025 — A quiet Thursday morning in the historic town of Bardstown was shattered when a vehicle crashed into the Nelson County Courthouse, killing one person and prompting an intense emergency response and investigation.
The incident occurred shortly after 6:30 a.m. in downtown Bardstown. Witnesses and local authorities confirmed that a single vehicle struck the courthouse’s front entrance, prompting immediate concern for public safety and damage to the government building.
Emergency responders from the Bardstown Fire Department, Bardstown Police Department, and Kentucky State Police (KSP) quickly arrived at the scene. Upon arrival, responders discovered a lone occupant in the vehicle. Tragically, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene.
Courthouse Scene Secured, Investigation Underway
Officials cordoned off the area surrounding the courthouse while investigators examined the wreckage. As of Thursday afternoon, the identity of the deceased driver has not yet been publicly released, pending notification of next of kin.
There were no additional injuries reported, and no courthouse employees or pedestrians were harmed during the incident.
Multiple agencies—including Bardstown Police and the KSP Critical Incident Response Team—are working to determine how and why the crash occurred. Investigators are expected to analyze surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and evidence from the crash site, including skid marks and vehicle damage.
Possible Medical Emergency or Mechanical Failure
Though the investigation remains ongoing, early statements from authorities suggest speed, a possible medical emergency, or mechanical malfunction could have been contributing factors. Toxicology testing and a full autopsy will be conducted by the Nelson County Coroner’s Office as part of standard procedure.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud crash followed by sirens as police and firefighters raced to the scene. Drone footage from WAVE 3 Skytrack and coverage by local stations such as WHAS11 have provided a clear visual of the chaotic aftermath, showing the damaged front steps of the courthouse and the totaled vehicle resting nearby.
Historic Courthouse Temporarily Closed
The Nelson County Courthouse, a prominent government building located at the heart of downtown Bardstown, was temporarily closed while officials assessed the structural impact of the crash. Courthouse operations resumed later in the day, though some areas of the property remained blocked off for safety reasons.
Motorists were asked to avoid the area and take alternate routes as crews cleared the scene and ensured the building’s stability.
Mayor and Community React
Local leaders have expressed sorrow over the incident. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy for our community,” one city official said. “Our thoughts are with the family of the individual involved, and we are working to understand what happened.”
Bardstown Mayor Dick Heaton has not yet released an official statement but is expected to speak on the incident once more details are confirmed.
Awaiting Further Updates
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has dash cam footage from the area near North 3rd Street and the courthouse square to contact Bardstown Police at (502) 348-6811.
Updates, including the identity of the deceased and the cause of the crash, will be shared as more information becomes available.