A shocking car crash at a McDonald’s in Middletown, New York, has gone viral after footage of the aftermath was shared on social media over the weekend. The incident, which occurred on Saturday morning, is the latest in a string of fast-food restaurant crashes throughout the Hudson Valley.
Ongoing Trend of Fast Food Crashes in the Region
The Hudson Valley has seen a troubling rise in vehicle crashes into fast-food restaurants in recent years. Earlier in January, a car plowed into a Burger King in Port Jervis. Just last week, another vehicle crashed into a Taco Bell in Poughkeepsie. Now, McDonald’s joins the list of drive-thru disasters.
This latest accident took place at the McDonald’s located on Route 211 in Middletown. A vehicle struck the building early Saturday, severely damaging the drive-thru side of the restaurant. As a result of the crash, multiple employees were injured and transported to Garnet Health Medical Center for treatment. Their current conditions have not been publicly disclosed.
Video Footage Shared Widely Online
Local resident Mark Angel Pagan captured and shared video footage of the scene, which quickly went viral on both Facebook and Instagram. The video shows the extent of the damage and discusses safety concerns regarding the structural integrity of the building.
In the video, Pagan urges the city’s building department to conduct a full inspection before allowing the restaurant to reopen. “It’s not just about putting up some plywood and moving on,” he says. “You need to make sure the structure is safe for employees and customers.”
McDonald’s Temporarily Closed
Following the crash, the McDonald’s location was closed to assess the damage and ensure safety. When contacted by phone, a representative from the Middletown McDonald’s stated that they hope to reopen the restaurant by either the evening of Tuesday, June 24, or the morning of Wednesday, June 25.
McDonald’s: A Staple of the Fast-Food World
Founded in 1940 in San Bernardino, California, McDonald’s has become one of the most iconic fast-food chains globally. With over 39,000 locations in more than 100 countries, the brand is known for its signature items like the Big Mac, McChicken, Quarter Pounder, and world-famous fries.
There are hundreds of McDonald’s locations across New York State, including several throughout the Hudson Valley, making it a frequent destination for residents and travelers alike.
Safety First
As car-into-building incidents continue to make headlines in the Hudson Valley, concerns are growing about road safety and infrastructure design around these high-traffic businesses. With this latest crash leaving injuries and significant property damage in its wake, local authorities and business owners may soon need to reevaluate safety measures at drive-thru establishments.
For now, Middletown residents and regulars of the Route 211 McDonald’s will have to wait a few more days before their favorite golden arches reopen for business.
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