1 killed, 7 hurt in NJ after driver, 93, plows into crowded restaurant
One person was killed and seven others were injured when a 93-year-old driver plowed her Buick SUV into a patio full of brunch diners on the Jersey Shore Saturday.
The accident happened at Meg’s Grill in Lavallette just after 11 a.m., when a car reportedly trying to park hit the gas instead of the brake – slamming the Buick Encore into the patio where diners were gathered.
A 56-year-old Toms River woman was killed in the accident, according to News 12 New Jersey.
The driver, a 93-year-old from Lavallette suffered minor injuries.
All seven others who were injured were taken to a hospital, though the extent of their injuries remained unclear.
The restaurant building itself appeared unharmed, but a neighboring liquor store was left with damage to its façade.
No restaurant staff were injured in the accident, but the restaurant announced it would close Sunday and Monday.
“All of our thoughts and prayers are with the people who were hurt,” a statement on the restaurant’s Facebook page said.
“Please give an enormous hug to your loved ones tonight. Thank you for all your kind words and thoughts,” the statement added.
