St. Louis, MO – A chaotic scene unfolded Tuesday afternoon in the Midtown neighborhood after a car crashed through a McDonald’s restaurant, leaving a significant hole in the building and injuring four people. First responders quickly arrived at the location at 4006 Lindell Boulevard to provide assistance.
Details of the Crash
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the crash happened around 2 p.m.. The vehicle smashed through the restaurant’s brick wall, entering the area between the drive-thru window and a main entrance.
The driver, a woman, was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Inside the restaurant, three teenagers sustained minor injuries, possibly from debris caused by the impact.
Officials believe that the driver may have experienced a medical emergency, which led to the vehicle losing control. Investigators are continuing to review the crash and speaking with witnesses to understand exactly how it happened.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witness Kevin Hatfield, who was standing outside the McDonald’s at the time, described the terrifying moment.
“I stood up to go back in, and through my peripheral vision, I saw something coming at me. I stepped back, and then the car ran over the fence and into the McDonald’s,” he said.
Hatfield also noted that two young women walking nearby were almost struck by the car. Another bystander who recorded the incident reported that the vehicle had crossed a patch of grass and a fence before crashing into the restaurant.
Damage to the McDonald’s
The crash left a large hole in the brick wall of the restaurant, affecting both the entrance and drive-thru areas. Restaurant staff immediately evacuated customers to ensure their safety, and crews are expected to inspect the building for structural damage before reopening, according to the reports.
Community Reaction
Neighbors and Midtown residents expressed shock at the accident. Several noted that the area, while busy, rarely sees such dangerous incidents. “It’s frightening to see something like this happen in a place where families come to eat,” said one local resident.
Authorities reminded drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant, especially in areas with high foot traffic and busy streets.
Ongoing Investigation
Police continue to investigate the crash to determine if any additional factors contributed, including the possibility of vehicle malfunction or other medical conditions of the driver. They are reviewing surveillance footage and taking statements from witnesses to complete their report.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department emphasized that public safety remains a top priority and urged residents to avoid the immediate area while cleanup and inspections continue.
What safety measures do you think businesses and cities should implement to prevent accidents like this in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
