A rather unfortunate scene unfolded at a popular New Orleans-area restaurant called The Olive Branch Cafe on May 20. A Nissan Altima drove through the front entrance, injuring multiple people and leaving behind a ton of damage.
The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras within the restaurant. It shows the car plowing through the front entrance and coming to a stop at the host stand
Even though the vehicle came through the front of the restaurant, it appears that some people were able to jump out of the way. The vehicle also caught on fire due to the impact.
Currently, the restaurant is closed until further notice. Staff will continue to update customers as time passes.
Car Smashes Into Louisiana Cafe
The above is the statement that The Olice Branch Cafe made concerning the incident. The video itself shows the restaurant’s destruction, with shattered material, dust, and debris coating the inside.
According to the New Orleans Police Department, several customers were present during the crash who needed to be sent to the hospital for minor injuries. The driver of the vehicle was also sent to the hospital.
The reason for the crash has not been revealed at this time, and it is still under investigation. However, it is likely that speeding was a factor that led to the destruction.
There Have Been Various Accidents Outside the Restaurant Over the Years
The Olive Branch Cafe owner Russell Autry claims that this isn’t the first time an accident has happened near his restaurant. However, this is the first time it’s happened inside.
It’s likely that the way the road is set up contributed to the incident. According to Autry, “People do drive way too fast, the road curves a bit, there’s actually a pretty significant hill.”
The hill he is referring to is the stretch of General Ge Gaulle Drive, which extends outside the restaurant. He claims that he’s seen multiple serious accidents there over the years.
Reactions to Car Driving Into a Restaurant
Some commenters were very surprised by the incident as a whole, but the comments were divided. One group of people seemed to be confused about how the crash could have happened in the first place, with one person writing, “Wow, just saw Rusty on Fox 8 news! Driver was supposedly speeding, lost control and ran up on the lawn through the front of the Cafe! Miracle no one was hurt!!”
Other commenters poked fun at the type of car that was involved in the accident. Another reply read, “Ofc it was an Altima.”
While customers won’t be able to dine inside The Olive Branch Cafe for the foreseeable future, Russell Autry hopes to resume delivery orders soon. Until then, repairs and cleanup efforts must be assessed.