2 Dead, 9 Injured After Car Crashes Into Outdoor Dining Area at D.C. Restaurant

Photo: Carole Feldman/AP/Shutterstock

Two women died and at least nine others were injured Friday when a car crashed into an outdoor dining area at the Parthenon restaurant in Washington, D.C., authorities say.

The accident took place at around 12:15 p.m. when an elderly man driving north on Connecticut Avenue “lost control” of his SUV, according to Commander Duncan Bedlion of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

“This is rare,” said DC Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly, according toWUSA9. “This isn’t the type of call — we haven’t had an incident like this in many years. A car hitting a crowd of people is a very serious event and obviously, we see it’s a tragedy and results in a lot of serious injuries.”

The driver, who was alone in the vehicle, was also treated for injuries at the scene and remains cooperative as MPD’s Major Crash Investigations Team looks into the crash.

“All indications are that this was truly accidental,” Bedlionsaidduring a press conference. “There was no indication this was intentional.”

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Michael Harrison, a manager at the restaurant, toldThe Washington Postthat the driver “looked like he was confused as to why he couldn’t stop,” adding: “I saw the car hop the curb and start plowing everything in its way.”

source: people.com