Malden police and fire crews responded early Wednesday morning to a startling crash at the Santa Fe Burrito Grill and Bar on Pleasant Street. The restaurant had just opened for lunch when a car, driven by an elderly woman attempting to parallel‑park, slipped on the wrong pedal and barreled through the front entrance.
Details of the incident
Deputy Chief Keith Buchanan of the Malden Fire Department explained that the driver’s foot likely slipped, causing the vehicle to accelerate forward instead of backing up. “I think her foot slipped,” Buchanan said. The car traveled about halfway through the doorway, tearing out the front door and damaging the building’s façade.
The glass window above the entrance, which weighs roughly 400 to 500 pounds, was left hanging by a single post, creating a hazardous situation for anyone nearby. “The glass window above was just hanging by one of the posts and it weighs about 400 or 500 pounds so it was very dangerous,” Buchanan added.
No injuries reported
Fortunately, no one was hurt in the crash. Buchanan noted that the timing was lucky, as the lunch rush had not yet begun and pedestrians were not in the immediate vicinity. “It’s very fortunate that nobody was walking by at that time,” he said.
Emergency responders quickly secured the area, and the road between Abbott and Commercial streets was closed while crews worked to remove the vehicle and clean up debris. The closure was necessary to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians while the scene was cleared.
Impact on the community
The Santa Fe Burrito Grill is a popular spot in a busy part of Malden, located near an MBTA station and surrounded by other businesses. The incident caused a temporary disruption to traffic and to the restaurant’s operations, but officials expect the establishment to reopen once repairs are completed.
Deputy Chief Buchanan emphasized that the area’s high foot traffic and proximity to public transit make swift emergency response essential. He praised the quick actions of both police and fire personnel, which helped prevent any injuries and limited the overall impact of the crash.
What’s next?
City officials have not indicated any further investigations beyond the standard traffic accident report. The road is expected to reopen once cleanup is finished, and the restaurant will assess damage to its entrance and window before resuming full service.
Residents are reminded to exercise caution when parking in busy downtown areas, especially during peak hours. The Malden Police Department encourages drivers to double‑check their pedals and use proper parking techniques to avoid similar accidents.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
