Car crashes into popular Hinsdale sandwich shop, several injured

DUPAGE COUNTY - Several people were injured after a car crashed into a popular sandwich shop in suburban Hinsdale on Monday.

The restaurant — identified as Fontano's Subs — is located at Chicago Ave. and Lincoln St., just north of the Burlington Northern train tracks.

Around 2:36 p.m., Hinsdale police and fire department responded to the sub shop for a report of a car into the building. When authorities arrived at the scene, they learned a 14-year-old pedestrian outside the shop was struck by the car and critically injured.

The teenager was taken to Hinsale Hospital and then later flown to Comer's Children Hospital in Chicago, police said.

Additionally, three people inside the restaurant were struck by the vehicle or debris from the accident. They were transported to Downers Grove Hospital in serious condition.

Another customer was treated at the scene and released.

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"I am at a loss for words," said Dominic Fontano, visibly shaken, as he rushed back to the horrific scene after a black Jeep crashed into his family's sandwich shop from Fuller's Car Wash.

Fontano recounted, "A young lady, teenage girl was underneath the car, and her male friend was pinned in the front of the car and the back wall. Then there was an older gentleman sitting against the wall, hit with the bricks and debris."

He continued, "A little boy was on that side of the street and was hit by the car, and the car carried him over to this side, and he’s the one that everyone is praying for."

It is believed that the Jeep left Fuller's Car Wash, and from there, it kept going and stopped in the dining room area of the restaurant. The driver did try to help but was dazed.

"He got out of the car and was dazed, he turned around to see what he could do to help," Fontano said.

According to a source with the village, this is the third time a Jeep has lost control exiting the car wash, with the first incident dating back to the early 2000s. Fontano had also been hit by flying debris in a previous incident.

Fontano emphasized, "Now something has to get done because you've got a couple of people in the hospital not in good shape."

"A determination of what if any charges the driver will face will be determined at the end of the MERIT Investigation," police said in a press release.

According to the Patch, the restaurant will be closed Tuesday and possibly even longer.

The investigation is ongoing.