š TRAGEDY IN LAVALLETTE: VEHICLE CRASHES INTO RESTAURANT, ONE DEAD šļø
A 56-year-old Toms River woman died and seven others were injured after a vehicle crashed into a Lavallette restaurant on Saturday. Police say a 93-year-old driver accidentally hit the gas instead of the brake while trying to park.
A 93-year-old woman is being investigated after a vehicle crashed into an outdoor dining area and building at a Lavallette restaurant Saturday morning, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
According to the Lavallette Police Department, the crash occurred at approximately 11:12 a.m. on September 19, 2026, near a restaurant located at 1401 Grand Central Avenue.
Police said the operator of a 2014 Buick Encore was attempting to park when she apparently pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. The vehicle then rapidly accelerated into the restaurant's outdoor dining area before continuing into the building. šš„
Seven restaurant patrons were injured and transported to area hospitals for treatment. A 56-year-old Toms River woman suffered fatal injuries in the crash.
The 93-year-old Lavallette woman operating the vehicle sustained minor injuries.
š Multiple agencies responded, including Lavallette Police, Fire, First Aid and Building Department personnel. Assistance was also provided by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, Ocean County Sheriff's Office, Toms River Police and EMS, Ocean Beach Fire Department, Seaside Heights Police and Fire Departments, and TriBoro EMS.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released additional information regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash.
š Our thoughts are with the victim's family, those who were injured, and everyone affected by this tragic incident.
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