by Admin
Sep 3, 2024
Two people were killed and another three injured when a driver crashed his vehicle into a restaurant located on Park Tavern in St. Louis Park, a city immediately west of Minneapolis.
The incident happened on Sunday evening, when the driver attempted to park his vehicle in the restaurant parking garage but ran into the restaurant and killed medical workers and a staff member of the restaurant in the midst of a celebration.
Analyzing the video footage from the incident the police have arrested and charged the driver with criminal vehicular homicide with no further intention to commit a potential motive, the driver whose identity has been withheld by police for security concerns. In a statement released by the Minnesota Police Department, it was revealed that Minnesota State Patrol conducted the accident reconstruction, and a law enforcement investigation into the scene of the accident is currently ongoing.
Whereas Prodesq media gathered that a witness who was present at the scene said the driver moved his vehicle back before running into the restaurant which accommodated over 30 people at the time of the incident.
Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park spokesperson, Annelise Heitkamp, issued a statement saying that one of the dead victims and the four injured people are a member of the hospital, she disclosed that “Following the tragic incident at Park Tavern, we’re grieving the loss of a loved and respected colleague and friend to many here at Methodist Hospital and HealthPartners,” Heitkamp said. “Our thoughts are with our colleague’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
In her written statement she did not disclose the identity of the deceased person but identified the names of the injured people who are all nurses of the hospital.
Dr. Thomas Stark, who also works at Methodist Hospital revealed that the medical officers were out to celebrate one of the nurses who was leaving the hospital and moving to another hospital for a new role. She said “On to the next chapter of her life and everyone was out celebrating, having a good time and saying good-bye,” and the celebrated nurse now lies on a hospital bed with severe injuries.
The restaurant owner Phil Weber identified the second person who died as Kristina Folkerts, a server at the restaurant. She was 30 years old and has been a long staff member of the restaurant and she is survived by three young daughters.