A drunk driver in a pickup truck crashed into a building in Apach Junction, injuring 30 people, city police said. The driver, a 73-year-old man, was arrested for causing the crash. No deaths were reported, but all of the people were treated for injuries ranging from serious to minor.
The Apach Junction Police Department, Fire Department and Medical District responded to a building located at Elks Lodge #2349, 2455 N Apache Trail, for an accident involving a driver, identified as Thomas Edward Kain, who crashed into the building.
Several were taken to the hospital and others were treated by paramedics.
In a statement, the police said that 30 people were injured, ten of whom had to be taken to different hospitals, another 15 were treated by emergency medical services at the scene of the accident and five more made their own way to a clinic.
“On Saturday at 8:27 p.m., Apache Junction Police and Superstition Fire and Medical Departments received reports that a vehicle crashed into the Elks Lodge #2349 at 2455 N Apache Trail. One person is in critical but stable condition,” Apache Junction Police said.
Thomas Edward Kain, 73, was at the Elks Lodge when he got into his pickup truck to leave and accidentally crashed into the building, authorities said.
The driver was drunk
The driver is under arrest and it is believed that alcohol was the factor that caused the accident.
“We have interviewed everyone involved in the incident and are working with the Arizona Department of Liquor Licensing and Control, which is conducting an independent investigation into the circumstances,” they shared.
The 30 victims are mostly adults, but their identities have not been released because the accident is still under investigation. The collision happened on Saturday, but anyone looking for family members can contact the Apache Junction Police Department at 480-982-8260.
“It looks like it was a pretty chaotic scene,” Officer Hatch said. “I can only imagine. I watched surveillance video from the scene and it looked like there were quite a few people there when the incident occurred.”
“Dangerous to drink and drive”
Police said the crash “shows how dangerous drinking and driving can be.” They added that alcohol impairs the ability to drive safely by reducing reaction time and decision-making skills.
“We are thankful that there were no fatalities and this story could have ended very differently. We want everyone to remember that drunk driving can have serious consequences, not only for the driver, but for everyone around them.”
People are asked to find another form of transportation if they are going to consume alcoholic beverages, to avoid accidents, but above all “to keep our community safe.”
Authorities shared their best wishes for the speedy recovery of all victims.
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