SUV crashes into busy restaurant, killing diners
NEWTON, Mass. -- An SUV crashed through the front windows of a busy Massachusetts pizza restaurant, killing two people and injuring at least seven others.
The crash happened during the dinner rush Tuesday evening at Sweet Tomatoes Pizza in Newton, a suburb of Boston.
Authorities say the two people who were killed were patrons at the restaurant. Their names have not been released.
George Miele confirmed to the Boston Herald that his wife, Eleanor Miele, was one of the victims. Her identity was confirmed by several other relatives.
Relatives said Eleanor Miele was picking up a pizza before heading to church for an Easter crafting project.
George Miele said he and his 57-year-old wife had been married for 37 years. They lived in Watertown. Family members said she was an office manager at a law firm.
Seven people, including the driver, were injured and taken to area hospitals.
The driver, identified as Bradford Casler, was listed in fair condition, CBS Boston station WBZ-TV reports. He was traveling with a female passenger, who also survived the crash.
A co-owner of the restaurant told WBZ-TV they are "devastated" and confirmed that employees were among the injured.
Witnesses say the SUV came barreling down a hill and failed to stop at an intersection, before plowing into the restaurant. The impact pushed the restaurant's front counter into the ovens in the rear.
The crash remains under investigation.