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An 87-year-old woman drove her car through the front entrance of Santa Fe Burrito Grill and Bar on Pleasant Street in Malden, Massachusetts, on Wednesday afternoon, March 20, 2025. Despite the dramatic impact, no injuries were reported among patrons, staff, or the driver.
According to Malden police, officers responded to the scene shortly after receiving multiple 911 calls about a vehicle entering the restaurant through the main glass facade. The driver, an elderly woman, remained inside the vehicle but was not physically harmed. Restaurant managers confirmed she was alert and appeared shaken but refused medical transport.
“I heard a loud crash, then felt the table push into my back,” said Yasmin Tenan, the restaurant manager who was working at the time. “I turned around and saw the car inside. The woman looked scared, so I helped her get out of the car and made sure she was okay.”
Police said the vehicle had apparently accelerated forward from a parking spot near the entrance, crossing the sidewalk before crashing through the front door. Investigators are looking into whether a mechanical malfunction or driver error caused the incident. No citations have been issued as of yet. Authorities reminded the public that elderly drivers should undergo regular vision and reaction-time checks to minimize accident risks.
The restaurant sustained significant structural damage to its storefront, including shattered glass, a damaged door frame, and several broken tables. However, the building’s foundation and interior were otherwise intact. Tenan said the restaurant has already contacted its insurance provider and expects to reopen within a few days after repairs.
“We’re just thankful nobody was sitting at that front table,” Tenan added. “It could have been much worse.”
Santa Fe Burrito Grill and Bar is a family-owned Mexican restaurant that has served the Malden community for over 15 years. Regular customers expressed shock but relief on social media, with many offering support and well-wishes.
Local safety experts note that storefront crashes are a recurring issue across the U.S. According to the Storefront Safety Council, roughly 60 vehicle-into-building incidents occur daily nationwide, with a significant proportion involving older drivers or poorly designed parking areas. In response, some cities have begun requiring impact-resistant bollards outside commercial properties.
As of Wednesday evening, the vehicle had been removed from the restaurant, and cleanup crews were assessing the damage. Police are expected to release a full report within 48 hours. The restaurant is coordinating temporary boarding of the entrance while waiting for a contractor to install a new glass facade.
This is a developing story. Additional details about the driver’s identity, insurance coverage, and potential safety upgrades will be reported as they become available.
For local breaking news updates, follow Malden police and the city’s official social media channels.
