UPDATED 4:45 p.m. | Three people suffered minor injuries Tuesday after a vehicle plowed through the front of the Moe's restaurant in north Normal.
The incident happened around 11:24 a.m., just before the lunch rush, at the restaurant at 1730 Bradford Lane, authorities said. Three people, including the driver, were transported to the hospital with minor injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening, said Normal Fire Department spokesperson Matt Swaney. A fourth person was treated at the scene by paramedics.
"If this happens at 12:30, we'd have a dining room full of people and people waiting in line for food, and it could've been a completely different scenario," Swaney told GLT. "It's unfortunate it happened, but it's fortunate it happened when it did, and there weren't more people in front of the vehicle when it went in."
It's unclear what led to the crash. The vehicle was pulling into a parking space when it jumped the curb and went through the west entrance door, authorities said. Normal Fire Department said it was "accidental and not malicious or intentional."
Normal Police Sgt. Adam Kapchinske said the driver did not appear to be intoxicated at the time of the crash or have any malicious intent.
The vehicle was a Toyota RAV4, a crossover sport utility vehicle. It made it all the way to the back of the restaurant before stopping near the soda machine and restrooms. Fourteen people were in the dining area at the time, authorities said.
The restaurant will remain closed for an extended time until repairs are completed. There is no damage estimate available, but both the vehicle and the restaurant are insured.
This story will be updated.
People like you value experienced, knowledgeable and award-winning journalism that covers meaningful stories in Bloomington-Normal. To support more stories and interviews like this one, please consider making a contribution.
