A station wagon crashed into the side of Crissy’s Breakfast & Coffee Bar in downtown Damariscotta the morning of Thursday, Dec. 13, causing minor injuries to diners and extensive damage to the restaurant.
Ruth Piper, 71, of Bristol was backing a 2013 Volvo XC90 station wagon out of the restaurant’s parking lot when it struck the side of the building multiple times before continuing onto the front lawn, on a rise above the driveway, and coming to rest on top of a stump, according to Damariscotta Police Chief Jason Warlick.
Piper told police the car’s throttle stuck, which caused it to accelerate quickly, Warlick said. The cause is under investigation. Neither alcohol nor drugs are believed to be factors.
Three patrons inside the restaurant suffered minor injuries and were treated on scene, according to Warlick. Piper was not hurt.
The incident caused “extensive structural damage to the building,” Warlick said. Debris and glass were scattered inside, and the building’s electricity was out.
Crissy’s owner Heidi Smith said she hopes to reopen the restaurant by the weekend.
“This is crazy,” she said of the damage. “It’s pretty extensive.”
The building, at 212 Main St., is owned by Colleen Kelly of Damariscotta.
Lincoln County Communications dispatched the Damariscotta Fire Department at 10:46 a.m. The Central Lincoln County Ambulance Service, Central Maine Power Co. and Damariscotta Police Department were on the scene, too.
Quick Turn Auto Repair & Towing of Damariscotta towed the vehicle, which is likely a total loss, Warlick said.
Some drivers were taking cellphone photos of the bizarre scene while going by, prompting Warlick to issue a warning.
“The Damariscotta Police Department encourages everyone to put their phone down and drive safely,” he said.