Authorities say that a vehicle crashed into a busy restaurant in New Hampshire, injuring 34 customers inside.
Sunday at approximately 12:40 p.m., a vehicle collided with the Looney Bin Bar & Grill and came to rest inside, confining a man inside the restroom, according to the restaurant's owner, Michelle Watson.
Car crashes into a New Hampshire restaurant
Thirty-four individuals sustained injuries in New Hampshire after a car crashed into a roadside restaurant in Laconia. (not the actual photo)
She said, "Everyone stepped in and helped. Everyone rushed to ensure that everyone was safe."
Per Washington Times, Chief of Police Matt Canfield stated that the collision involved three vehicles: One was exiting a parking lot across the street while the other was in the center lane. The collision caused by driver's failure to see a third inbound vehicle caused the third vehicle to collide into the restaurant.
Fourteen individuals with non-life-threatening injuries, including lower limb fractures, lacerations, and abrasions, were transported by emergency personnel to local hospitals.
According to the Laconia Fire Department, twenty additional individuals were evaluated at the scene by emergency personnel but did not require hospitalization. The structure on Highway 3 north of Concord sustained extensive damage.
CNN's Matthew Canfield was told by Laconia Police Chief Matthew Canfield that a vehicle was making a left turn as it exited a nearby business when the driver of a vehicle in the center lane that was turning into the same business gave them the go-ahead.
The driver of the vehicle that was exiting failed to notice a third vehicle traveling south in the third travel lane. Canfield stated that the two vehicles collided, sending the vehicle traveling south into the Looney Bin.
New Hampshire Car Crash Victims
According to the news release, two of the hospitalized customers sustained "significant lower limb injuries," while others were treated for lacerations, contusions, and other non-life-threatening injuries.
A window that survived the collision displayed an "open" sign, which accurately described the condition of the restaurant's shattered front wall, where only a single column of wood remained, according to a video captured by CNN affiliate WMUR.
The impact of the vehicle dispersed structure fragments across the restaurant's floor. On a damp Sunday afternoon, firefighters were observed removing splintered wood and detritus from the damaged front section of the restaurant.
After the collision, the opening in the restaurant was boarded up, according to WMUR. Laconia is located in the heart of the lakes region of New Hampshire. According to the 2021 Census, its population is roughly 16,700.
The Center Harbor and Meredith Fire Departments, as well as personnel from Gilford, Belmont, Meredith EMS, Tilton-Northfield, and Franklin, assisted with the treatment and transportation of the patient. The Laconia Police Department is investigating the collision, according to the fire department.
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