August 16, 2021
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–A crash on Route 130 sent two vehicles crashing into a Wendy’s restaurant leaving two people injured. At 1:00 pm a 2008 Toyota Corolla was headed southbound on Route 130 near Melrich Road when it left the roadway, drove across the grass of a business, struck a berm on the property of Wendy’s restaurant at 2533 Route 130, and became airborne. The vehicle was launched through the parking lot and struck a 2017 Audi that was waiting in the drive-thru. Both vehicles were pushed into the building and outside tables. A family dining outside narrowly missed being struck. The force of the impact shattered the restaurant windows and sent glass throughout the interior. Despite being crowded with customers and staff none of the people inside the Wendy’s were injured. The Monmouth Junction Fire Department arrived and had to stabilize the Toyota before extricating the driver of the Toyota. South Brunswick EMS transported the driver to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in stable condition. A juvenile in the Audi also complained of pain and was taken by family members to an area hospital. South Brunswick Chief Raymond Hayducka said, “This is nothing short of a miracle that no one was seriously injured or killed in this crash. To think it was the middle of the day, people were eating both inside and outside and none of them were injured. The building was damaged to the point it can’t be used but everyone eating was able to walk away.” The South Brunswick Building Department ruled the structure needed to be closed pending a detailed examination.
South Brunswick Police Traffic Safety Bureau is investigating the crash. Preliminary indications are the driver of the Toyota may have suffered a medical episode prior to the crash.