Car accident sets New York restaurant on fire

A driver who lost control of his vehicle is in the hospital along with his passenger following a serious crash in Brooklyn, according to local sources. New York authorities responded to the fire caused by the car accident and discovered that both individuals had made it safely out of the vehicle, though they both still suffered injuries. The crash has not led to any criminal charges being filed so far. 

According to the accident report, an unidentified driver somehow lost control of his vehicle around 3:45 a.m. on May 16, striking the side of a Chinese restaurant that had closed for the night. The car was set ablaze by the force of the impact. The driver managed to escape the vehicle under his own power, but the passenger was rendered unconscious by the crash. 

Thankfully, several passersby were able to pull the unconscious passenger from the vehicle and onto the sidewalk. Medical response teams arrived shortly thereafter, taking both individuals to a local hospital. Their injuries have been described as non life-threatening, and thankfully, no one else was hurt in the crash. 

New York police will likely continue to investigate this car accident to determine what caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Should their investigation reveal that it was negligence, recklessness or intoxication that caused the crash, the driver could face criminal charges. Regardless of whether such charges are filed, his passenger is entitled under state law to file a personal injury suit against him in a civil court setting. Evidence of culpability will be required if monetary damages are to be awarded by the court. 

Source: New York Daily News, “Out-of-control car slams into Brooklyn Chinese restaurant, sparks building fire“, Ryan Sit, May 16, 2015