Officials: Driver Who Crashed Into Capital Grille May Have Suffered Seizure
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Several people were injured Wednesday night when a car crashed into the downtown Pittsburgh Capital Grille restaurant.
Police say the vehicle crashed into a building housing the restaurant at the 300 block of Fifth Avenue between Wood Street and Smithfield Street around 9:20 p.m.
KDKA's Ralph Iannotti reports --
Five people were taken to the hospital.
Initially, police believed two pedestrians were hit, but officials now say one of them had actually been in the vehicle and was helped out by some bystanders.
The 36-year-old driver was trapped in the wreckage and he had to be rescued by paramedics. According to public safety officials, he may have had a seizure that caused him to lose control of the vehicle.
UPDATE: Pittsburgh Police say driver who struck one pedestrian on 5th Ave Wednesday night may have suffered seizure. pic.twitter.com/KpZ8B16rxu
— Ralph Iannotti (@IannottiRalph) July 13, 2017
Rhiannon Kalchthaler works at Izzazu Salon next door to the Capital Grille.
"Our nail technician worked a late night and she said that she missed it by 10 minutes," Kalchthaler said. "So we're really thankful that she got in and out of there before that happened because she waits for her husband right there on that sidewalk."
Another man, 57, and two woman, ages 41 and 39, were in the silver Mercedes when it crashed.
The pedestrian, a 47-year-old man from California, was also injured.
All remained at UPMC Mercy Hospital on Thursday morning. No names or conditions have been released, but officials say none of the injuries are life-threatening.
By Thursday morning, orange cones and yellow tape were set up, blocking off the corner of the building where the damage occurred.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police accident investigation unit is still investigating this incident.
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