At least two people have reportedly died and several others were injured after a car crashed into a restaurant patio in downtown Washington, D.C., on Friday. Local authorities said they believe the driver lost control of the vehicle and is cooperating with an investigation.
Eight people were transported to local hospitals after the crash, and three others were treated on the scene. Of the eight who were transported, two have died, three have “life-threatening conditions,” and three were in stable condition, according to Vito Maggiolo, a spokesman for the district’s Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
Police said a car crashed into the outdoor dining area of the Parthenon Restaurant & Chevy Chase Lounge located on Connecticut Avenue in northwest Washington. A preliminary investigation from the Metropolitan Police Department determined the driver, who has not been publicly identified, was driving at an apparent high rate of speed and exited a nearby parking lot to head north on Connecticut Avenue. The vehicle then went over the curb and crashed into the restaurant’s patio, hitting many of the patrons dining outside.
The two victims who died were described as adult women, and police identified them Saturday as 73-year-old Terese Dudnick Taffer and 76-year-old Jane Bloom. Both were residents of northeast Washington. The conditions of those others who were hospitalized were not available at the time.
A total of 11 people were injured, including the driver. Three of them were treated for minor injuries on the scene and were released shortly after the incident, according to authorities.
Police told reporters on Friday all the victims were between the ages of 30 and 80. The eight who were transported to area hospitals were taken to different facilities as a way not to overwhelm staff, according to Washington’s Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly.
DC POLICE OFFICER RESIGNS AFTER USING PATROL CARS AS TRANSPORT TO BAR
“We believe it was accidental and control was ultimately lost,” he said. “We know that he lost control and he’s cooperating and we’re going to continue talking to him.”
3.11.22 2D Commander Bedlion and Chief Donnelly of @dcfireems provide an update regarding a traffic crash that occurred in the 5500 block Connecticut Ave, NW. https://t.co/qpepoCmlMX
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) March 11, 2022
Police said they believe the incident was unintentional, and the driver, an elderly man, is cooperating with the investigation. The MPD reported he was driving alone and that the momentum of the vehicle stopped on its own.
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Early reports show there was no structural damage to the restaurant.
Officers are investigating the situation and asked any witnesses with video footage to send it to investigators.
