Two people have died after an SUV crashed into the outdoor seating area at The Parthenon, a restaurant in Northwest Washington, D.C.
The Greek restaurant was surrounded by debris as patrons layed on the ground awaiting help and first responders rushed to the scene.
Sources differ in numbers, but around eight people were injured and three remained in critical condition on Friday evening, according to Washington police and fire officials. Two women died as a result of the collision.
The driver of the SUV lost control of the vehicle while heading north on Connecticut Avenue.
Witnesses say that the driver looked confused as to why his vehicle would not stop. The vehicle accelerated quickly, jumping the curb and smashing into the seating area.
At the time of the accident, around 16 people were seated at The Parthenon’s outdoor seating.
Duncan Bedlion, a police commander in the district, described the driver to the Washington Post as an older man who was alone in the vehicle. He has been cooperating with investigators since the incident.