SALEM, MASS. (WHDH) - Two people were taken to the hospital after a car crashed into a building in Salem Friday morning, officials said.
The vehicle slammed into the Sidelines Sports Bar and Grill at 105 Canal St. at around 8:35 a.m., according to the Salem Fire Department. Police believe the driver fell asleep at the wheel.
The white SUV left a gaping hole in the side of the restaurant. The 47-year-old female driver and a 45-year-old female passenger were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Salem Police Department.
The restaurant was not open at the time.
Owner Adam Drohan said his phone started ringing off the hook earlier this morning when the incident took place.
“The car was here number one thing I was worried about was just the driver was okay,” Drohan said. “Beyond thankful, that’s the most important thing, of course, safety is the number one thing.”
The driver will be charged with negligent operation and a marked lanes violation, police said. She did not show any signs of impairment, according to a preliminary investigation.
Crews were working through Friday afternoon to patch up the hole in the side of the building.
“People always want us to put a drive-thru in. This is the one time we finally think we might do it. So, this is what it took, we’ll put the drive-thru in,” Drohan joked.
A building inspector determined that Sidelines suffered serious structural damage.
It is unclear when it will be able to reopen.
This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.
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