One person died and seven others were injured Saturday when a 93-year-old driver crashed her Buick SUV into a patio crowded with brunch customers along the Jersey Shore.
The collision occurred shortly after 11 a.m. outside Meg’s Grill in Lavallette. Authorities said the Buick Encore was reportedly attempting to park when the driver pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, sending the SUV into the outdoor dining area.
A 56-year-old woman from Toms River was killed in the crash, News 12 New Jersey reported.
The driver, a Lavallette resident, sustained minor injuries.
The seven other injured people were transported to a hospital. Officials had not immediately released details about the severity of their injuries.
Meg’s Grill appeared to escape major structural damage, while the neighboring liquor store suffered damage to its façade.
No restaurant employees were hurt. However, the restaurant said it would remain closed Sunday and Monday following the crash.
“All of our thoughts and prayers are with the people who were hurt,” the restaurant wrote in a statement posted to Facebook.
“Please give an enormous hug to your loved ones tonight. Thank you for all your kind words and thoughts,” the message continued.
