Staff Reports
So much for getting coffee brewed fresh every 20 minutes.
The Tim Hortons at 71 Niagara St. in the City of Tonawanda was closed after a car slammed into the drive-through window Monday night.
Six people were taken to area hospitals as a result of the accident, which happened at about 6:30 p.m. Monday. According to police, a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Justin Tomasino, 18, of North Tonawanda, struck the northeast corner of the building with enough force that it caused extensive damage to the car and the exterior and interior of the restaurant. Bricks from the building were strewn about the accident scene.
Three passengers were inside the vehicle, and all four occupants were taken to local hospitals. In addition, two female Tim Hortons employees suffered minor injuries and also were taken to area hospitals, police said, adding that none of the injuries appeared to be life threatening. One victim was seen being guided onto a backboard and loaded into an ambulance.
Fire and police personnel closed off the restaurant in case the building became unstable because of the accident. The restaurant owner was making arrangements to have the building damage assessed and the exterior secured, police said.
Tomasino was charged with imprudent speed, two unsafe tires, moving from lane unsafely, failure to stay in lane and operating with an expired insurance card.
In February, an SUV plowed through the entrance of the Walgreens on Young Street. The driver in that accident was charged with driving while intoxicated and for possession of marijuana.
