Alleged drunk driver crashes car into a popular takeaway food store
A driver crashed inside a local food store in Ontdekkers Park, leaving a path of destruction.
The Mexico/ Toasties food store on the corner of Louis and Ontdekkers Road is facing a major setback after a car crashed into the store in the early morning hours of June 1.
According to Mashooda Patel, owner of the store, they received a call from Help24 security alerting her of the crash. When she and her family arrived at the store, they found that a driver, who was allegedly drunk, had driven his car directly into the building, causing severe damage.
“The vehicle drove from a nearby drive-through, which is 500 metres away, right into our store. We have been a community business for more than 20 years. This is horrible; it brought us to our knees,” Patel said.
The impact of the crash was so severe that witnesses in the area likened it to an earthquake. Kobus JD van Staden, a resident of a nearby apartment building, described hearing a loud bang followed by the sound of breaking glass.
“From what I heard, it seemed like the guy drove right through the security gate of Mexico/ Toasties because I heard their alarm going off, and after that, I heard glass windows breaking. That’s when I called Mashooda as well,” Van Staden confirmed.
The damage caused by the crash has brought hardship to Patel and her business, as they now face the daunting task of repairing and restoring the store.
“This is the first time this has happened to us, and I’m currently in talks with the insurance companies,” Patel said.
According to Patel, members of JMPD were present at the scene, and a case has been opened against the driver. Patel has not received any updates as of yet.
