Burien, Washington - Eleven People Injured when Vehicle Crashes Into Store
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Burien, Washington – Eleven People Injured when Vehicle Crashes Into Store

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Posted on December 18, 2019

Burien, Washington (December 16, 2019) -A total of eleven people sustained injuries when a car crashed into a Ross store on First Avenue South on Monday evening. Three people were critically injured in the crash, including a two year-old toddler, a 43 year-old man who is also the toddler’s grandfather, and a man in his 30s. These critically injured victims were taken to Haborview Medical Center in Seattle, where it was reported that the toddler remains in critical condition, the grandfather is in serious condition and the third man’s condition was last reported to be satisfactory as of Tuesday afternoon. Seven other people in the incident were taken to Highline Medical Center in Burien, and another victim was taken to Valley Medical Center in Renton. Not included in the count are the two suspects in the vehicle, who both received minor injuries in the crash. None of the injured were employees in the store.

The crash occurred around 9:15 p.m. According to the information from the King County Sheriff’s Office, the van was being used as a getaway car in a shoplifting attempt, and while driving at a high rate of speed, the van struck an unoccupied car that was in front of the store and ended up crashing through the front windows. The van ended up going into the clothing aisle, striking several people as well as the stroller the toddler was in. The driver has been arrested for DUI and a female suspect inside the car was arrested for another warrant, but police have said the charges may be upgraded depending on what happens to the patients. The store has been boarded up and remains closed by Tuesday.

About Vehicle Accidents

While this accident contains a criminal element, accidents of other causes can also result in injuries or fatalities. From data gathered on car crashes into buildings, the cause was usually operator error or pedal error. For operator errors, drivers usually accelerated or were at high speeds, or were in the wrong gear. Pedal error means that drivers stepped on the gas when they meant to step on the brake. Other, smaller factors for crashing into buildings are situation-based, such as driving under influence, traffic accidents, weather conditions or medical emergencies. A very small percentage are for people who intentionally ram buildings to commit theft. From these causes, lack of control is a common feature.

Because of the crash site, the threat of injuries applies not only to the occupants of the car but also people inside the building, as can be seen in this case. Damage can also be done to either the car or the struck building. As always, we urge everyone to drive with caution and practice safe driving wherever you go. Doing so minimizes damage and injuries you can inflict not only on yourself, but on others as well. If you have however become a victim of a vehicle accident of any sort, we extend our sympathies and compassion.

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