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Update: March 20, 2025 — A single-vehicle rollover sent one person to the hospital Thursday afternoon after a car flipped onto its roof at the entrance of Lofaro’s Drive-Thru in Youngstown.
The crash occurred around 1:30 p.m. at the busy intersection of Poland Avenue and East Dewey Avenue. Police and emergency crews responded to reports of a white sedan lying on its roof near the drive-thru's order board. The driver, identified as a 34-year-old Youngstown resident, was extricated by firefighters and transported to St. Elizabeth Health Center with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Youngstown Police Department spokesperson Lt. Susan Vargo.
“The driver was conscious and alert when crews arrived,” Vargo said. “Preliminary investigation suggests the vehicle may have been traveling at a higher speed than appropriate for the turn, causing it to strike the curb and overturn.”
Witnesses at the scene described the sound of screeching tires followed by a loud crash. “I was in line waiting for my order when I heard a bang, then saw the car flip over. It was terrifying,” said Marie Thompson, a regular customer who was parked nearby. No other vehicles were involved, and no injuries were reported among drive-thru staff or customers.
Lofaro’s Drive-Thru, a staple in the Poland Avenue corridor for over 20 years, remained open during the incident, though the entrance was temporarily blocked. Traffic was diverted onto East Dewey Avenue for about an hour while crews cleared the wreckage.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities are looking into whether mechanical failure, such as a tire blowout, contributed to the loss of control. The vehicle, a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, has been impounded for a full inspection. Speed and driver distraction have not been ruled out.
This marks the third rollover crash at the same intersection in the past 18 months, according to city traffic records. Local residents have long called for additional safety measures, including speed bumps and better signage. “That curve is dangerous, especially when people are in a hurry,” said John Miller, who lives on East Dewey Avenue. “We’ve been asking the city for years to do something.”
Youngstown City Councilman Paul Drennen, who represents the area, said he plans to revisit the issue at the next council meeting. “The frequency of incidents here is unacceptable,” Drennen said. “We need to work with the traffic engineering department to evaluate whether a traffic light, a roundabout, or a lower speed limit would prevent future crashes.”
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has been notified about the crash and will review the intersection’s accident history. ODOT spokesman Brett Atwood said the agency will consider adding warning signs or adjusting the pavement markings if patterns emerge.
Meanwhile, the driver is listed in stable condition and is expected to recover. Police have not filed any charges yet, pending the completion of the investigation.
This incident serves as a reminder for drivers to approach tight turns and drive-thru entrances with caution, especially in high-traffic areas. The Youngstown Police Department urges anyone with additional information or dashcam footage to contact the traffic division at (330) 742-8900.
As the investigation continues, the community awaits answers and hopes for safer streets. The intersection of Poland Avenue and East Dewey Avenue will be monitored for any further safety concerns in the coming weeks.
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