Watch: Patrons rush for cover during crash at Lawrence restaurant

LAWRENCE, Mass. — Heart stopping video shows an out of control BMW that slammed into the windows of a packed Lawrence restaurant.

The crash sent three customers to the hospital. All were dining by the windows at Terra Luna on Essex Street just after midnight.

“We hear like one explosion and we don’t know from which side coming,” said Emilia Pimental, a manager at the popular eatery.

Pimental describes the scene as chaotic after the vehicle slams front end first into the glass and then hitting a second window after spinning out.

“We see this one car hit with the front side the first window and then with the back the second window,” said Pimental.

Surveillance video from inside shows customers sitting by the windows get knocked from their chairs as the glass shatters and people jump to get away.

“And the people who heard the explosion are running to this part of the restaurant,” said Pimental.

Franklin Victoria, 26 years old, of Lynn was behind the wheel. He remained on scene. Lawrence Police performed a sobriety test and say alcohol does not appear to be a factor but they believe he was driving too fast.

“At this point it seems like maybe speed was more of a factor than anything,” said Chief Roy Vasque of the Lawrence Police Department. “It appears the individual lost control of his vehicle, made contact with the building obviously sending patrons flying,” said Chief Vasque.

Of the three people injured, one person’s arm was broken. Restaurant owners, staff and police are just relieved that’s the extent of what could have been much worse.

“Obviously, could have been significantly different,” said Chief Vasque.

The driver will be summonsed to court and will be facing negligent driving charges according to police. The restaurant owner tells Boston 25 he hopes to have repairs completed so he can reopen on Wednesday.

Watch: Patrons rush for cover during crash at Lawrence restaurant Watch: Patrons rush for cover during crash at Lawrence restaurant

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