Car Crashes Into Lobby Of Blake's Restaurant In Manchester

MANCHESTER, NH — Manchester Fire Department and AMR Ambulance were dispatched to a report of a vehicle into a restaurant on South Main Street on Sunday.

Upon arrival at Blake’s Restaurant at about 12:40 p.m., responders found a small car inside the front lobby of the business, which was open and had customers in it. Manchester fire immediately requested the building collapse unit be sent to the scene due to extensive structural damage.

Firefighters worked to add wood supports to the walls so the vehicle could be removed without additional collapse. Once firefighters added the supports to the building, the car was pulled out of the building using a winch on MFD Rescue 1.

The woman driving the car appeared to have left South Main Street, went over a curb, through a fence, and crashed into the main entrance of the building.

MFD Battalion Chief Robert Beaudet said two men were exiting the opposite door of the restaurant at the time of the crash. One man sustained minor injuries including cuts, scrapes, and bruises. The driver of the vehicle was medically evaluated by AMR medics and firefighters at the scene and did not appear to suffer any injuries.

Beaudet said, "Damages to the restaurant were extensive, particularly the entryway itself, additionally some equipment in the restaurant sustained some damage."

Construction workers were at the scene removing debris and were working on securing the business. The business will have to remain closed until repairs are made and the building inspectors clear it to reopen.

At this time the accident is being investigated by Manchester police and it is unclear if any summons were issued.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news