SEATTLE — The Seattle Fire Department responded to the Chinatown-International District in Seattle Thursday after a car crashed into a commercial building.
The car crashed into Dim Sum King restaurant at the intersection of South Jackson Street and Maynard Avenue South just after 2 p.m.
Seven people were injured, and all were taken to the hospital, according to Seattle police. At least two had life-threatening injuries.
A man and a woman inside the restaurant were pushed by the vehicle further into the restaurant and firefighters had to help them out of the building, said David Cuerpo, public information officer for the Seattle Fire Department. There were two people in the car that were also taken to the hospital for evaluation.
"We're very fortunate that it wasn't more severe than it currently is," said Cuerpo at the scene. "We're glad that we were able to get the people who were trapped quickly out, and get evaluated and also transported to a hospital."
Seattle police said it appears the driver of a Toyota Camry was trying to park the car on South Jackson Street when the driver accelerated backwards, and the car went over the sidewalk and into the front of the restaurant. Police believe it was an accident.