Scotch Plains Man Drives Car Into Brewery, Causes Major Damage: Report

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — A 67-year-old from Scotch Plains crashed his car into a local brewery in High Bridge on Friday, according to NJ.com.

The man was driving his Mercury sedan around 4:38 p.m. on Route 513 northbound when he crashed into the large side window of Highrail Brewing Company on 20 Main Street, police told NJ.com. The 67-year-old only suffered minor injuries, according to the report.

High Bridge Police Chief Brett Bartman told NJ.com that the car appeared to have a mechanical failure.

The car went through the brewery's taproom and hit a support beam, as well as tables, chairs and equipment, according to NJ.com.

The two employees there at the time were not injured, but one had tables and chairs pushed into him, NJ.com said.

Bartman told NJ.com that residents were evacuated from the building due to structural damage.

According to a Facebook post, Highrail Brewing Company will be closed until further notice as they rebuild the taproom. The owners said they do not know how long the rebuild will take, but they will keep customers informed throughout the cleanup.

The owners added that the crash occurred 30 minutes before opening and no guests were injured in the accident.

"Furniture, kegs and fermenters can be replaced," the owners wrote. "Lives cannot. We’re thankful no one was hurt."

NJ.com said the Scotch Plains man was sent to the hospital following the crash.

No charges have been filed and High Bridge Police are still investigating the incident.